The 2012 BMW i8 Spyder Concept is a plug-in hybrid powered by an eDrive drivetrain combining a high-performance electric motor and petrol combustion engine. The lithium-ion battery supplying the motor with power can be recharged in an extremely short space of time from any domestic power socket. Together, the car’s minimised weight, low centre of gravity and finely judged balance, coupled with a combined system output of up to 260 kW (354 hp), promise unbeatable dynamic capability, exceptional efficiency and unbridled driving pleasure.
Despite its cabriolet silhouette, the vehicle will be keeping its swan doors that fold upwards. This is enabled by the carbon rich structure of the i8 which makes for a very stiff structure. The passenger ‘Life’ cell is made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) while the ‘Drive’ platform underneath is made from aluminium. The ithium battery can be found in the car’s spine assisting with providing a low sense of gravity and BMW’s 50:50 weight distribution.
The 96 kW (131 hp) electric motor on the front axle works in tandem with a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine sending 164 kW (223 hp) through the rear wheels. Both units are in-house BMW Group developments and generate an aggregate system output of 260 kW (354 hp) and peak torque of 550 Newton metres. That is enough to accelerate the BMW i8 Spyder Concept from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in five seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Despite this performance, the two-seater burns just three litres of petrol per 100 kilometres (equivalent to fuel economy of 94 mpg imp) in the European test cycle.
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