We have all seen conceptual drawings of BMW’s new supercar, the ‘i8’ and we have even seen the camouflaged test cars out on the road. However, two images have been leaked seemingly showing the final production model. Whether it’s a genuine mistake or a ploy by BMW’s marketing men to gain a bit of interest before the official debut, the pictures have gone viral across the internet and show the £100,000+ supercar looking stunning both inside and out, with particular highlights being the scissor doors and the aerodynamic rear panels. The German giants ‘i’ sub-brand which is focussed on efficiency, already includes the ‘i3’ but the i8 will be the main attraction, for now at least.
The BMW i8 uses an electric motor, much like the one in the i3, but the overall powertrain in the i8 is much more powerful thanks to a mid-mounted, twin-turbo 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine. The 129-hp electric motor powers the front wheels, while the 1.5-liter engine can both charge the battery pack and send 228 hp to the rear wheels through a six-speed transmission. Combined power output is 357 hp, and BMW estimates the i8 can reach 62 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph while still delivering an estimated 95 mpg on the European combined cycle.
One thing is for certain, with it’s blue side trim, low-slung sleak styling and beautiful interior, the i8 promises to be a real head-turner and I for one, can’t wait to see it in the flesh…
