At first look the BMW i8 is like a shark. Standing nose to nose you are met by an aggressive, yet graceful visage and the lines of its body have a liquid quality that speaks of power and efficiency. This is where form truly reflects function: the i8 is not only BMW’s vision for sustainable driving; it also appears to have the performance of a turbo-charged beast.
The i8 is BMW’s design for the future – a plug-in hybrid supercar. In the manufacturer’s words it’s all about demonstrating “how captivating sustainable motoring can be”. We may never have thought of putting those words in the same sentence but since its concept debut in 2009 the buzz surrounding the i8 tells us to think again.
For anybody who hasn’t already heard (and that’s not many amongst car enthusiasts) the i8 promises to be groundbreaking. Not only do its green credentials make us stand to attention, its supercar stats speak for themselves. If you’re interested in the finer points of technological innovation, fuel efficiency, muscle power and finesse then read on.
The i8 works around two systems – an electric motor and a gas motor. It can be run on either motor independently or on both together. The electric motor sits at the front axle and on its own provides an incredible 170 horsepower.
Lithium-polymer batteries run down the center of the car to the back axel where they meet a 1.5 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Along with 2+2 seating, this design layout gives a 50/50 weight distribution which helps create a low center of gravity and a perfect balance to the car.
The rear gas engine alone provides 223 hp and 295 lb-ft torque. The car can be put into front, rear or all-wheel drive. When both energy systems are in play the i8 serves up an impressive 393 hp and 406 lb-ft torque. It is expected to be able to manage 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 156 mph.
That’s the power, so what about sustainability? When fully charged (which takes six hours, although a high voltage will allow you to do it in less than one) there is 20 miles driving on electric only. When the two power systems are combined it is thought the car can travel up to 400 miles on a 6.6 gallon tank. The fuel efficiency is supposedly as high as 104.2 mpg.
One of the reasons this green racing dream is able to be just so economical is the body design. BMW has managed to come in under target with the i8 weighing a delicate 3,187lbs. This is dues to an aluminum chassis and suspension and a feather-weight light-sensitive polycarbonate body skin.
The aerodynamics are beyond cutting edge – thermostatically controlled front slats redirect air over the bonnet when the engine does not need cooling. Together with BMW’s futuristic take on gull-wing doors and the wing-like rear spoilers it’s surprising this car can’t fly.
Being BMW, the i8 of course comes with a slew of extras. From 25 mile radius traffic sensors, to intelligent parking controls the car is almost able to drive itself. And if you like to be in touch with your vehicle, even when you’re not actually in it, there’s a whole range of practical matters such as the heating and charging that can be remotely controlled through a smartphone.
What seems like a sci-fi dream will be with us sooner that we know. We’ve had one or two sneak previews, since the launch of the concept model. None have been more spectacular than the i8’s starring role in 2011’s Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol but the question still remains: when will it actually come onto the market?
The speculation is that the first production versions will be available to buy from the end of 2013, with delivery in early 2014. Which brings us to the next question – what will the supercar of the future cost? Well again there doesn’t seem to be an exact answer to this as yet. According to Dan Rideout, VP of Operations at GoAuto estimates from $100,000 to $300,000, but anyone asking the price, probably can’t afford it.
The BMW i8 isn’t just going to change the way engineers design cars in the future, it’s going to change the way the whole world talks about cars. So for those of us who can afford a slice of this pie, our first and final question remains: is the BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Coupe worth the wait?
The answer appears to be yes.
Stock Images provided by KENCKOphotography/Shutterstock.com and Darren Brode/Shutterstock.com
Imagine 0-62 Mph in 4.9 Sec and up to 104 Mpg
The Gull-wing door design help with aerodynamics
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior
