A production prototype for the BMW i8 hybrid supercar has been caught doing a round of testing. But this time we are treated to a full blown video featuring nearly 5 minutes of footage as well as a few high resolution static images.
BMW previewed the model at the Frankfurt Motor Show when they unveiled the i8 Concept. It is the model that will sit at the pinnacle of the company's "i" sub-brand above the i3 that was also previewed at the same show.
The concept featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine coupled with an electric motor that generated a combined output of 353 PS (260 kW / 349 hp) and 550 Nm (406 Nm) of torque. Recent rumors have indicated the Bavarian company will look to exchange this powertrain with a turbocharged four-cylinder unit, possibly in search of a few extra ponies under the sheet metal.
Performance-wise we should be expecting the i8 to accelerate from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in around 4.8 seconds which is slightly slower than the concept. Pricing should start at around $235,000 putting it in direct competition with the Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell.
BMW previewed the model at the Frankfurt Motor Show when they unveiled the i8 Concept. It is the model that will sit at the pinnacle of the company's "i" sub-brand above the i3 that was also previewed at the same show.
The concept featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine coupled with an electric motor that generated a combined output of 353 PS (260 kW / 349 hp) and 550 Nm (406 Nm) of torque. Recent rumors have indicated the Bavarian company will look to exchange this powertrain with a turbocharged four-cylinder unit, possibly in search of a few extra ponies under the sheet metal.
Performance-wise we should be expecting the i8 to accelerate from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in around 4.8 seconds which is slightly slower than the concept. Pricing should start at around $235,000 putting it in direct competition with the Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell.
[YOUTUBE]cezbRkNJhXI[/YOUTUBE]
The BMW i3 prototype has been caught testing in Munich, Germany - the city that the premium automaker calls home. It is nice to see development continuing on the electric vehicle, it has been more than 6 months since the last test vehicles were spotted.
This latest prototype is still wearing a large amount of camouflage that is doing its best to hide the aerodynamic and styling lines across its bodywork.
Under its posterior, the i3 prototype is housing an electric motor along with batteries that reside underneath the floor. Rumors have stated it produces around 150 PS (110 kW / 148 bhp) which enables it to hit a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph). The i3 is expected to have a range of up to 257 km (160 miles) on a single charge.
It rides on a "LifeDrive architecture" platform that boasts an aluminum chassis with a passenger cell made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Expect to see the i3 unveiled to the public sometime during 2013 before hitting the market in the following year. Production is slated to begin at the company's Leipzig plant and pricing is expected to exceed €40,000.
This latest prototype is still wearing a large amount of camouflage that is doing its best to hide the aerodynamic and styling lines across its bodywork.
Under its posterior, the i3 prototype is housing an electric motor along with batteries that reside underneath the floor. Rumors have stated it produces around 150 PS (110 kW / 148 bhp) which enables it to hit a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph). The i3 is expected to have a range of up to 257 km (160 miles) on a single charge.
It rides on a "LifeDrive architecture" platform that boasts an aluminum chassis with a passenger cell made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Expect to see the i3 unveiled to the public sometime during 2013 before hitting the market in the following year. Production is slated to begin at the company's Leipzig plant and pricing is expected to exceed €40,000.
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