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AUTOS: BMW Shows i8 Concept Spyder
Roadster version of upcoming i8 hybrid performance cars to debut at Beijing Motor Show and could be headed for production.
BMW reportedly plans a production version of the newly revealed i8 Concept Spyder. (Photo: BMW)
BMW has released the first details and images for its i8 Concept Spyder ahead of its debut at the Beijing Motor Show later this month, the first convertible version of the string of previously revealed i8 coupes.
BMW previously confirmed that its i8 supercar, an advanced plug-in hybrid that promises 0-60 mph acceleration of less than five seconds and 78 mpg combined fuel economy, will enter production in 2013 ahead of a sales launch early in the following year. But there had been no mention of a convertible version.
The reveal of the i8 Concept Spyder confirms BMW is at least toying with the idea, and a report from Autocar goes further and claims that an i8 Spyder will enter production in 2015. The information was revealed by insider sources who also said the production i8 Spyder will likely feature removable roof panels, most likely constructed from carbon fiber.
Key differences between the i8 Spyder and previously shown i8 coupes are the non-transparent doors, which are thought to be more like the production units, as well as a transparent engine cover and rollover safety bars located behind the seats.
Otherwise, the i8 coupe and i8 Spyder are much the same, both featuring a plug-in hybrid drivetrain comprised of a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine matched to an electric motor. The engine is used to drive the rear wheels while the electric motor powers the front pair, though both power sources can work together to form an all-wheel drive setup. An "energy tunnel" that houses the high-voltage lithium-ion battery runs down the center of the floor.
Peak output of the combined system should be close to 400 horsepower, which may seem low compared with some of its intended rivals but should offer strong performance thanks to the i8’s expected 3,200-pound curb weight.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
BMW previously confirmed that its i8 supercar, an advanced plug-in hybrid that promises 0-60 mph acceleration of less than five seconds and 78 mpg combined fuel economy, will enter production in 2013 ahead of a sales launch early in the following year. But there had been no mention of a convertible version.
The reveal of the i8 Concept Spyder confirms BMW is at least toying with the idea, and a report from Autocar goes further and claims that an i8 Spyder will enter production in 2015. The information was revealed by insider sources who also said the production i8 Spyder will likely feature removable roof panels, most likely constructed from carbon fiber.
Key differences between the i8 Spyder and previously shown i8 coupes are the non-transparent doors, which are thought to be more like the production units, as well as a transparent engine cover and rollover safety bars located behind the seats.
Otherwise, the i8 coupe and i8 Spyder are much the same, both featuring a plug-in hybrid drivetrain comprised of a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine matched to an electric motor. The engine is used to drive the rear wheels while the electric motor powers the front pair, though both power sources can work together to form an all-wheel drive setup. An "energy tunnel" that houses the high-voltage lithium-ion battery runs down the center of the floor.
Peak output of the combined system should be close to 400 horsepower, which may seem low compared with some of its intended rivals but should offer strong performance thanks to the i8’s expected 3,200-pound curb weight.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
The Lyonheart K
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