The i8’s dynamic proportions, elegantly sporty lines and innovative design features and a sprint time of 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph), indicates that BMW is pushing an all new generation of sports car.
Designed under the form follows function philosophy the BMW i8’s design has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26 , each curve and panel sculpted to channel the air extremely effectively as it hits the car.
The three-cylinder combustion engine in the BMW i8 develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric motor draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a conventional 110 volt power outlet as well as a 220 volt electric vehicle charger, and sends its power to the front axle. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 4.4 seconds.
The plug-in hybrid drive system of the BMW i8, which comprises a BMW TwinPower Turbo engine combined with BMW eDrive technology, offers the best of both worlds: excellent potential for improved efficiency and exciting, sporty driving characteristics.