BMW 18 Next Step

Concept Form’s Production Version

After being shown at various auto shows in concept form over the last year and a half, the BMW i8’s production version is ready to be unveiled. The unveiling will take place at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but as has been the norm for some time now, there will be few surprises when the veil is lifted.

Indeed, the whole world now knows what the production version of the BMW i8 will look like as two images of the car are currently circulating on the web ahead of its launch. The good news is that the hybrid sports car retains approximately the same look as the concept car.

There are of course some adjustments that have been made. The wheels are less futuristic than the concept car while the transparent glass panels have been replaced by more traditional body panels. On the other hand, the scissor doors have been kept on the production verstion. Inside, the interior is very modern with a dashboard divided into multiple levels, while the blue color of the BMW i series is highlighted everywhere like around the BMW logo on the steering wheel. Nevertheless, the similarity between the interior of the new BMW i8 and other products from the Bavarian manufacturer is obvious.

The rear wheels of the BMW i8 will be powered by a three-cylinder, 1.5 liter turbocharged engine producing 231 horsepower. The front wheels will be powered by an electric motor delivering 131 horsepower and 184 poundfeet of torque. The combined power of this engine is 362 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The advertised fuel consumption is 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers, and the BMW i8 will even be able to travel about 35 kilometers using only the electric motor.