Nearly four months after giving us the ‘first look‘, BMW has unveiled the i8 Roadster along with its updated Coupe sibling at the LA Auto Show. Both models market launch from May 2018.
Both plug-in hybrid models feature further developed BMW eDrive technology, enabling longer range and more time in pure-electric mode. The cars still use 1.5-litre 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol that produces 231 hp and 320 Nm of torque, but the system output is now at 374 hp (275 kW). Cell capacity of the lithium-ion battery up from 20 to 34 Ah, gross energy capacity up from 7.1 to 11.6 kWh. Electric motor with max. output raised by 9 kW/12 hp to 105 kW/143 hp, and the motor produces 250 Nm of torque.
While the Roadster gets an electric range of 53 km/33 miles, the coupe gets 55 km/34 miles.
Combined petrol consumption is claimed at 2.1 l/100 km for the Roadster, 1.9 l/100 km for the Coupe.
The combustion engine drives the rear wheels while the electric motor drives the front wheels, making the i8 an all-wheel drive. The Roadster does 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds while the Coupe does it in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The Roadster gets model-specific body strengthening elements and gullwing doors feature the signature lightweight construction of BMW i models; windscreen frame also made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Checkout the product highlights and images below.
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