BMW i8 Roadster Shows Up on Nurburgring, Gets Closer to Production

We've already enjoyed the charms of the Coupe (here's our i8 review) and the time has come to discuss the Roadster. A prototype of the open-roof model has recently shown up on the Nurburgring, with the sportscar being tested alongside a pair of fixed-roof models.

For now, the i8 Roadster comes with a detachable roof panel held in position with the help of duct tape. This stage shouldn't last too long, though, and once the German engineers complete the tests regarding the way in which the lack of a roof affects the torsional rigidity, we should see the vehicle getting closer to its final form.

Speaking of which, this prototype still had its rear seats where we used to find them, but that probably won't be the case with the production model.

Why is the rear seat area expected to accommodate the removable roof? Well, the luggage compartment, which sits behind the mid-mounted 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine of the Bimmer could also be used for such purposes, but that would mean ending up with a hopelessly impractical machine such as the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster.

As for the nose of the hybrid sportscar, this is already busy providing shelter for the i8's electric motor, as well as for the cooling hardware.

Even if the removable roof turns the BMW i8 into a two seater, we won't be all that upset. And that's because the rear seats aren't spacious enough to accommodate adults.

Truth be told, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder, which previewed the future model, also turned to such a solution - you can see the concept in the image gallery.

It's still a bit early to talk about the i8 Roadster's debut (the name isn't even official yet), but the sportscar could arrive in the second half of 2017.