A brace of official images depicting the production-spec BMW i8 have emerged online giving us a glimpse of what to expect from the firm’s electric sportscar ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling.
Many will be relieved to see that the design of the production BMW i8 hasn’t strayed drastically from the mouth-watering concept that broke cover two years ago. The only concessions to production viability are a slightly toned-down cabin and a good deal more sheet metal in lieu of the concept’s glass-inlaid scissor doors.
A hybrid set-up that comprises a turbocharged 1,5-litre petrol engine delivering 170 kW and 320 N.m to the rear axle will power the i8. This unit is allied with an electric motor that feeds 96 kW and 250 N.m to the front.
The combined output of 266 kW and 570 N.m of torque is, according to BMW, sufficient to propel the 1 490 kg i8 from standstill to 100 km/h in 4,5 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 250 km/h top speed. The i8 can travel solely on its electric motor for 35 km and reach a speed of 120 km/h.
BMW claims an average fuel consumption of just 2,5 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 59 g/km.
More details will emerge closer to the i8’s official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show early next week.
