2013 BMW i8 Concept

BMW are preparing supercar with the name i8, which wont be powered by a diesel-electric hybrid like the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept.  BMW i8 is expected to be introduced in 2013 and it will be powered by a petrol engine. The recently announced ‘i’ sub-brand from BMW will launch the i8 supercar in 2013 but it will come with a petrol engine instead.

Firsly, the idea was for a 1.5 liter three-cylinder diesel and an electric motor like the configuration in Vission Efficient Dynamics concept, but now BMW will stick to petrol variant.

The exterior design features a flat silhouette, with sweeping lines, taut surfaces and precise edges that form an extremely sculptural and organic surface structure. The individual vehicle components are clearly visible from the outside, the black and transparent Life module setting itself apart from the silver-colored body components around it.

The precise lines along its flanks and hallmark BMW i “stream flow” also give the BMW i8 Concept a strong sense of powering forward. A large, transparent greenhouse lends the exterior a feeling of lightness and highlights the efficiency of the vehicle.

The BMW i8 Concept’s doors swing upwards like wings: below them, the silver-colored layer moulds the car’s flanks into a powerful wedge shape, opening out from the door sills towards the rear.

BMW will offer both RWD and AWD versions, with the hybrid version is offered only as an AWD model. Engine will be mated with a new dual clutch transmission and supercar future will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds. The company has promised 58 MPG fuel economy and autonomy of 400 kilometers. The bad news, though, is that the top speed will be limited to only 155 mph, but we believe the tuner will have something to say about it.

A blue flourish accentuates the dynamic presence of the sills. Together, the bonnet and door sill sculpting emphasize the BMW i8 Concept’s forward- surging stance, and their smooth lines imbue the car with a touch of lightness. At the front, a number of different levels interact with one another, while the expressive surface treatment exudes dynamic verve and advertises the car’s sporting potential.

The full-LED headlights of the BMW i8 Concept are designed as two U-shaped configurations.

A black, semi-transparent “V” rises out of the hood just behind the kidney grille, opening out towards the windscreen and guiding the eye to the electric motor below.

The tail lights in horizontal design, are integrated into the upper layer of the rear and share the signature U-shape of the BMW i light concept. The transparent surfaces in the doors and roof give the exterior and interior design of the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of merging into one another. The colour concept and underlying structure of the BMW i8 Concept interior closely mimic those of the BMW i3 Concept.

The i8 Concept features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 96 kW / 250 Nm electric motor with a 164 kW/220 hp turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine developing up to 300 Nm and 300 Nm of torque driving the rear axle.  Together, the two drive units allow the i8 to reach a top speed limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds while achieving a fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp).

The BMW i8 Concept can also run purely on electric power, with a driving range of approximately 35 kilometres (20 miles). The battery can be fully recharged in two hours at a standard power socket. http://www.carbodydesign.com/2011/08/bmw-i8-concept/

BMW i8 Concept front view

BMW i8 Concept Spy photo

BMW i8 Concept front-side view

BMW i8 Concept left-side