BMW has unveiled the 2015 BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
BMW has unveiled the 2015 BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2+2 sports car will arrive next spring with a starting price set at $135,925.
The BMW i8 is the second model from BMW’s i-sub brand and is also BMW’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle. The production version of the i8 remains pretty close to the concept version with the biggest changes happening to the doors, which are no longer see through. At only 3,285 lbs, the i8 features a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic passenger cell.
The i8’s plug-in hybrid system features a 1.5L three-cylinder engine with 231-hp that sends its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The 131-hp electric motor powers the front wheels thanks to a lithium-ion battery with liquid cooling. The system puts out a total 362-hp and gives the i8 enough power to reach 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds and on the EU cycle it’s rated at 94 MPG.
The driver can select between five driving modes: EV mode, which gives it a range of 22 miles on electric power alone; Comfort mode offers a balance between the the engine and electric motor with a total 310 mile range; Sport mode adds extra boost from the electric motor; Eco Pro mode can be used in both all-electric mode and hybrid mode.
Source: BMW
