SPYSHOTS: Near-production BMW i8 hybrid supercar

bmw-i8-2

It looks like we’re scrambling all of BMW’s deepest and darkest secrets this week. This new set of photos show the BMW i8 hybrid supercar in near-production trim pounding the Nurburgring getting ready for its big unveiling alongside the i3 citycar later this year – the Frankfurt Motor Show in September seems the likely target.

Our European spyshot specialist CarPix has delivered a fantastic set of photos here, revealing much of the production car’s fine points. It’s no surprise that a lot of the original i8 Concept‘s wild elements have been toned down for production – you didn’t think the glass doors were for real, did you? – but there’s no denying that BMW’s attempt at making an eco-friendly supercar is dressed to impress.

From the looks of it, the i8 has spent far more time in the wind tunnel than it has doing track evaluations, as much of the car’s design elements are dictated by aerodynamics. It’s as sleek and wind-cheating as it can be, for the benefit of both efficiency and performance. Note the blanked-off grille, various turning vanes between the wheels and the flying buttresses above the rear lights.

Word is there’s a highly-tuned turbocharged three-cylinder engine running the rear wheels with a powerful electric motor driving the front. 0-100 km/h should be done in less than five seconds, with economy figures that would impress a Prius owner. As for the BMW i8’s price, think more Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG rather than the Audi R8.

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • rifle on Apr 18, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    I wish I’m rich..huhu -:)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • frenzyaustin on Apr 18, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    From the looks, it looks nearly exactly as i8 concept, which is a good thing. 0-100 under 5 second, not really impressive for a super car but very impressive from a 1.5 turbocharged 3 cylinder. BMW said this car is capable of doing 2.9L/100km, quite impressive. Upcoming Honda NSX, Lexus LF-LC, how does it compare to their German rival is an upcoming hot topic.
    By the way, the rims looks like from Proton Inspira/Exora Bold though.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Jaybond on Apr 18, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    Looks like BMW is catching up fast in the hybrid car sector. It remains to be seen how the new Honda NSX would fare against the i8, but judging from concept car info I suspect the new NSX will be at a higher market target , namely Porsche 911.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • frenzyaustin on Apr 18, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      Those JDM cousins from the 90’s started to fight again. NS-X, Supra, GT-R. Thanks to the cancellation of Gentleman Agreement that limits car from Japan at 280hp, now JDM raised their bar much higher than before and start to challenge their rival from the West.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • GT-Rider on Apr 18, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    GT-R is still a faster car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
    • GTR can´t generate 250Nm from 0 rpm. Besides driving a hybrid supercar is definately different from conventional supercar vehicle. The technology behind it is superb..!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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