Photo: Autogespot
BMW’s crown jewel, the i8 was just spotted in New York City by a fast-trigger photographer from Autogespot, this being the first time the plug-in hybrid sports car is being seen in the US, outside official events.
The i8 wasn’t officially introduced on the North American continent just yet, BMW waiting to start the sales at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August, where a special model will be auctioned off.
However, the New Jersey dealership probably has one on stock that is presenting to its most important customers and taking around the country at various events and this is the one.
Featured here in a couple of shots that show the Big Apple as everyone knows it (crowded and lit up), the i8 was turning heads all around it, as you can see for yourself.
Dressed in what is probably the best color for it (Protonic Blue), BMW’s first hybrid sportscar didn’t waste no time on the road, zooming out of the picture as soon as possible.
Under the bonnet there are two motors powering this thing, adding up to a grand total of 362 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, an impressive number even before you learn what’s generating it. Speaking of which, you will be impressed to learn that there’s a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged ICE unit powering the rear wheels and making 231 HP and 320 Nm of torque and an electric motor making 131 HP and 250 Nm of torque up front, powering the front axle.
Mixed in with the kerb weight of the car that is under 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg) thanks to extensive CFRP usage, the all-wheel-drive car will do 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, while returning 121 mpg (2.1 l/100 km) and 49 grams of CO2 per km. That’s more than impressive.
It’s also fitting New York that is known for its forward-thinking inhabitants that know how to appreciate such a car. Too bad the pricing starts at $136,000.
However, the New Jersey dealership probably has one on stock that is presenting to its most important customers and taking around the country at various events and this is the one.
Featured here in a couple of shots that show the Big Apple as everyone knows it (crowded and lit up), the i8 was turning heads all around it, as you can see for yourself.
Dressed in what is probably the best color for it (Protonic Blue), BMW’s first hybrid sportscar didn’t waste no time on the road, zooming out of the picture as soon as possible.
Under the bonnet there are two motors powering this thing, adding up to a grand total of 362 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, an impressive number even before you learn what’s generating it. Speaking of which, you will be impressed to learn that there’s a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged ICE unit powering the rear wheels and making 231 HP and 320 Nm of torque and an electric motor making 131 HP and 250 Nm of torque up front, powering the front axle.
Mixed in with the kerb weight of the car that is under 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg) thanks to extensive CFRP usage, the all-wheel-drive car will do 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, while returning 121 mpg (2.1 l/100 km) and 49 grams of CO2 per km. That’s more than impressive.
It’s also fitting New York that is known for its forward-thinking inhabitants that know how to appreciate such a car. Too bad the pricing starts at $136,000.
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