After more than 10,000 sales since November 2013, the exotic looking i8 is rumored to be launched together with the i8 Spyder next year.
The BMW i8 was the first BMW production model to be powered by a 3-cylinder petrol engine. This highly turbocharged unit was equipped with the then latest-generation BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with high-precision injectors positioned between the valves, along with VALVETRONIC. The low roll torque is further reduced by a balancer shaft, while a multi-stage damper integrated in the automatic transmission ensures very smooth and refined running at low rpm.
This 3-cylinder combustion engine in the BMW i8 developed 231hp and drove the rear wheels, while a maximum torque of 320Nm was available from 3,700rpm.
The car’s second power source was a 131hp hybrid synchronous electric motor which sent its power to the front axle. The motor developed 250Nm torque from a standstill. As well as providing a power boost to assist the petrol engine during acceleration, the electric motor could also power the vehicle by itself with a range in everyday driving of up to 22 miles and a top speed of 75mph on electric power alone, drawing its energy from a lithium-ion battery.
Well, now you know enough about the current i8 to impress your buddies.
