BMW i8

BMW is reckoned among the most prestigious car makers in the world, with a range that boasts of innovative designs and advanced technology. It has been fulfilling its promise of providing a comfortable and high-performance on-drive experience with its luxury cars. This automaker from Germany has been working on its latest 'i' series concept cars. On its initial official appearance at IAA 2009, BMW i8 had garnered appreciation from auto experts and sports car enthusiasts alike.

BMW i8, belongs to BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept line, boasts of the design of a sports car with fuel efficiency of a small car. This hybrid concept car sports elegant appearance and dynamic verve that complement its sporty looks. As the motor is placed in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear, space within the car has increased significantly. Interior components of the car are decorated with silver colour accents. Material like Porcelain White support structure, black technical level and comfort section with Mocha Brown leather are used for decorating the interiors.

This car, along with BMW i3, has been highly appreciated when it was showcased at the Frankfurt motor show in 2011. Needless to say, BMW will be hoping that the two years of intensive research it put into developing this 'emotional' 2 plus 2 coupe will bear fruit in the near future.

Engine & Specifications of the BMW i8

According to official reports, BMW i8 is the next phase of the sporty BMW models. This new generation concept car has an innovative plug-in hybrid mechanism, in which the battery is placed on the front axle. The car consists of a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, which is located at the rear. The combustion engine produces maximum power output of 220 hp and delivers peak power of 300 Nm. In this manner, simultaneous driving units deliver phenomenal performance at optimum fuel consumption.

Performance of the BMW i8

In terms of acceleration, the concept car has already set industry benchmarks. BMW i8 accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in less than five seconds and revs up to top speed of 250 kmph. BMW i8 operates on the eDrive technology, which uses lithium-ion battery charge for driving up to 35 km on electric power alone. However, its most striking feature is its fuel efficiency, which, at 33.27 kmpl, cannot be matched by any car in the market.

Exterior, Interior & Safety Features of BMW i8

BMW i8 reflects its sporty nature from the core, with detailed LED headlights that boast of U-shaped design configuration and V-shaped rising bonnet being the highlights of the front end. Likewise, it has a rear that boasts of a low, horizontal and sculptured design. Striking vertical frame outlined by silver colour, blue-framed rear diffuser, three-dimensional air outlets and horizontally floating tail lights with air through-flow are notable features of the rear of this car.

Its sporting character continues to the cabin of BMW i8. Interiors are designed and decorated as per the LifeDrive architecture concept. All the components are evident from outside due to its black and transparent Life module. In this manner, transparent surfaces in the doors and roof deliver a 'merged' look of the exterior and interior of BMW i8 Concept.

Interiors of BMW i8 Concept are almost similar to its sibling, the BMW i3 Concept. Placement of air vents, control panels and displays is the key difference between the interiors between the two concept models. Components like gearshift lever, start-stop button and parking brake are located on the central console near the driving seat, reminiscent of rally cars.

A display screen that updates driver with relevant information regarding driving task is placed in the car. All the information is communicated in a three-dimensional and high-resolution format using symbols, figures and pictures. The Life module of the car has been built from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, which is 50 per cent lighter than steel and much more reliable in accidents.