BMW i8 Specs Revealed
BMW has released the preliminary specs of its first plug-in electric hybrid sports car. The vehicle will be powered by a compact three-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an electric drive system and a lithium-ion battery which can be recharged at a standard household power socket. Power output will be rated at 362 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque.
The passenger compartment is called the Life module, which essentially comprises the 2+2-seater CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymer) passenger cell. This architecture also gives the BMW i8 a very low center of gravity and a near-perfect 50:50 axle load ratio, both of which increase its agility.
The car will go 0-100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds and have a top speed of 250 km/h which puts in the neighborhood of the Porsche Carrera 4S. Unlike the Porsches 9.1L/100km, however, the i8 will deliver 2.5L/100km with significantly less CO2 emissions as well.
The 231 HP (170 kW) gasoline engine sends its power to the rear wheels, while the 131 HP (96 kW) electric motor powers the front wheels. This configuration offers all-electric driving capability with a range of up to approx. 22 miles (35 kilometers) and a top speed of approximately 75 mph (120 km/h).