In early February the BMW i8 concept was spotted testing in Sweden and now new details have leaked that shed more light on the production model. According to UK-based Car Magazine, the power output of the production version will exceed the pre-production concept that was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.
While the concept’s output was rated at 260 kW, the production model will produce a combined figure of 293 kW. The electric motor will be responsible for 127 kW with the rest coming from the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit. The combined peak torque is rated at 550 Nm, which is identical to the figure reported on the concept. The power will brought to the wheels via a four-speed transmission and, with a kerb weight of around 1 450 kg, the i8 is expected to make a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The car is planned to be launched in 2014 and, although prices haven’t been released so far, suggestions are that the car will be priced way north of the €100 000 mark.
July 17th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
These new electric sports cars are not that cool, BMW should release a new 8 series coupe that has a gas guzzling V12 in it. Those are more fun.