Photo: Automedia
The latest batch of spyshots with BMWs future hybrid sports car shows us that the i8 is ready to enter mass production. Usually, the Bavarian manufacturer, takes only the production ready test cars to the 'Ring, in order to fine tune them. It might be the case with the i8 too.
Furthermore, the fact that the prototype seen in these photos wears the actual production taillights and not the "trailer-style" ones we've been getting used to, seems to back up our guesses.
The new sports car from our favorite brand will have a hybrid propulsion system that will be featuring the new, revolutionary, 3-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-liter engine (fitted in the back) in tandem with an electric motor, similar with the one found on the i3 (mounted on the front axle).
Whilst the 3-cylinder conventional unit is responsible for 220HP and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque, the total output of the i8 is rumored to reach somewhere around 400 HP and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) which would take the super-light car up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds.
Of course, due to the lightweight construction and the hybrid powertrain, this will be a rather peculiar sports car, having a fuel consumption of just 2.7 l/100 km (87 mpg).
However, all this performance and fuel efficiency doesn't come cheap. Rumored prices say the i8 will be sold for around €150,000 ($200,000). Nonetheless, we're extremely excited about this new car and can't wait to see the official unveiling that is rumored to take place at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, in September.
The new sports car from our favorite brand will have a hybrid propulsion system that will be featuring the new, revolutionary, 3-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-liter engine (fitted in the back) in tandem with an electric motor, similar with the one found on the i3 (mounted on the front axle).
Whilst the 3-cylinder conventional unit is responsible for 220HP and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque, the total output of the i8 is rumored to reach somewhere around 400 HP and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) which would take the super-light car up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds.
Of course, due to the lightweight construction and the hybrid powertrain, this will be a rather peculiar sports car, having a fuel consumption of just 2.7 l/100 km (87 mpg).
However, all this performance and fuel efficiency doesn't come cheap. Rumored prices say the i8 will be sold for around €150,000 ($200,000). Nonetheless, we're extremely excited about this new car and can't wait to see the official unveiling that is rumored to take place at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, in September.
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