Another BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car test vehicle was spotted recently in Leipzig, Germany, not far from the factory where it is being produced. The car in this sighting was a gorgeous Protonic Blue, one of the four i8 available colors. The BMW i8 is scheduled to be available in U.S. dealerships this spring, and is currently being featured in commercials airing during NBC’s coverage of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
The BMW i8 achieves its low weight (3,284 pounds) through extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum. At 50.4 inches high, it is the lowest BMW in current production (but still over five inches taller than the legendary BMW M1). Weight distribution is 50:50.
Power for the BMW i8 comes from a rear-mounted gasoline engine and front-mounted electric motor. Combined, they generate 362 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque, sufficient to propel the i8 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Under ideal circumstances, the car can achieve up to 94 miles per gallon. It can fully recharge in 1.5 hours when it’s plugged into a 220-vilt Level 2 charger.
BMW i8 prices start at $135,700 without destination and handling and before federal tax credits.
—Scott Blazey
Check out the complete photo gallery here.
Click here to view the BMW "Hello Future" commercial aired during the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Click here to view the BMW i8 "Sightings" commercial aired during the 2014 Winter Olympics.
[Photos: Bimmertoday]
