BMW i8 Spyder Comcept
Only a concept at this point, but.............
BMW has brought the i8 Concept Spyder to the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, marking the seductive plug-in hybrid sports car's first public appearance. Derived from the i8 Coupe scheduled to go on sale in 2014, the Spyder variant has not been officially confirmed for production. During the recent 2012 New York Auto Show, a BMW representative confirmed the Spyder does not even have a functioning soft-top, or any form of weather protection. Yet considering the incredible technology lurking within the i8, BMW's engineering team will hardly be stumped if called upon to develop a working top.
BMW's Green Supercar
Like the i8 Coupe, the Spyder features a battery pack mounted in the center of the car for a 50/50 weight balance, along with a powertrain designed for fuel efficiency and performance. At the front of the car is a 131-hp electric motor, with a 223-bhp turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine mounted behind the 2-passenger cabin. Mated to an all-wheel-drive system, BMW estimates the combined engine and electric motor output of 354 hp is enough to propel the i8 Spyder from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds. Capable of running solely on electric power for approximately 20 miles, the i8 Spyder is expected to return approximately 70-80 mpg.
If and when the Spyder gets the green light for production, look for it to carry a base price of $150,000, or more. The i8 will serve as the halo vehicle for BMW's new eco-themed “i” brand, which also includes the electric-powered i3 city car that's set to go on sale next year. As one of BMW's most important markets, China will be a focal point for promoting this new sub-brand and the German automaker's advancements in advanced propulsion solutions.
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