Cars Obsessed

BMW is now just one year away from the start of production of its i8 plug-in hybrid supercar.

The i3, formerly known as the megacity vehicle, is the better-camouflaged of the two. The head- and taillights are strictly for illumination during testing; the production elements will be integrated into the aerodynamic body. Camo covers the i3’s take on the Hofmeister kink (the trademark element can be seen better on the i8 as a pinched rear side window), while another unseen item, the BMW kidney grille, is promised for the production model. The grille will be ringed in blue to denote the car’s inclusion in the new i sub-brand. Only one door per side is visible, although additional openings, possibly of the rear-hinged variety, may be covered by the wrapper.

The production version of the i8 will use a powertrain similar to the concept’s, with a battery pack and electric motor working with some kind of internal-combustion engine. A diesel was used in the Vision ED, although we hear BMW may switch to a gas-fired unit, fearing buyers of the ultra-expensive laboratory on wheels might look down on a compression-ignition lump. The plug-in hybrid coupe will top the BMW range, packing the most current lightweight and fuel-saving technologies, and demanding the most currency as a result.

the i8 pairs a three-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The engine is used to drive the rear wheels while the electric motor powers the front pair. The two power sources are connected via an “energy tunnel” that houses the high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

This gives the car a low center of gravity–and all the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles also helps provide an ideal 50/50 weight distribution.

This entry is filed under BMW. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.