BMW has unveiled its third concept for its new BMW i sub-brand, the i8 Spyder Concept, which follows the BMW i3 and BMW i8 Concepts. The i8 Spyder Concept is a open top version of the i8 Concept.
The i8 Spyder Concept builds on the 2+2 i8 Concept that was unveiled a year ago. Compared with the coupe, the two-seater i8 Spyder Concept has a slightly shorter wheelbase and overall length. It’s open-top design is combined with upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a transparent glass panel at the rear that covers two electric kickboards.
Like the i8 Concept, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder with eDrive is a plug-in hybrid combining two different power sources. The 131-hp electric motor on the front axle works in tandem with a turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine sending 223-hp through the rear wheels. In total the electric and gas motor generated 354 horsepower, which is enough to accelerate the BMW i8 Concept Spyder from 0 to 62 mph in five seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. The best part is that the i8 Spyder Concept gets 94 mpg on the European cycle. With its battery fully charged it can travel up to 19 miles on electric power alone. The BMW i8 Concept Spyder also has the ability to send power through the front, rear or all four wheels at the same time.
