| Manufacturer | BMW |
|---|---|
| Also called | BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics |
| Production | Leipzig |
| Class | Sports car Grand Tourer |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Combustion engine | 1.5 liter, 3 cylinder gasoline[1] |
| Electric motor | 96 kW (129 hp)[1] |
| Battery | 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery[2] |
| Electric Range | 35 km (22 mi) |
| Length | 4,600 mm (182 in)[1] |
| Width | 2,000 mm (77 in)[1] |
| Height | 1,300 mm (50 in)[1] |
| Curb weight | 1,500 kilograms (3,300 lb) |
The BMW i8, first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, is a plug-in hybrid under development by BMW. The initial concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show,[3] and the BMW i8 concept car destined for production was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.[4] The i8 has a 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which delivers an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi).[2]
In 2010 BMW announced the mass production of the Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics in Leipzig beginning in 2013 as the BMW i8.[5] The i8 is part of BMW's "Project i" and will marketed as a new brand, BMW i, sold separately from BMW or Mini. The BMW i3 and the BMW i8 will be the first models available from 2013. Other i models will follow.[6][7]
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The Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine.[3] Additionally, there are two electric motors with 139 horsepower. It allows an acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (160 mph).[5]
According to BMW, the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, (75.1 mpg imp), and has a carbon dioxide emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer (1,3 l/100km and 33g CO2/km ; EU-PHEV ECE-R101). The estimated all-electric range is 50 km (31 mi), and the 24-litre diesel tank extends the total vehicle range to up to 700 km (430 mi).[5] The lightweight chassis is made mainly from aluminium. The windshield, top, doors and fenders are made from polycarbonate glass, with the body having a drag coefficient of 0.22.[8]
The BMW i8 concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show has a 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi). Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (160 mph) and is expected to go from 0 to 100 kph (0 to 60 mph) in 4.6 seconds. Under normal driving conditions the i8 is expected to deliver 80 mpg-US (2.9 L/100 km; 96 mpg-imp) under the European cycle. A full charge of the battery will take less than 2 hours using 220V.[2][4]
The i8 combines the electric drive system of the BMW i3, with a 96 kW (129 hp) electric motor located in the front axle powering the front wheels and at the rear is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 164 kW (220 hp) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. The result is a combined output of 260 kW (349 hp). All four wheels provide regenerative braking. The location of the battery pack in the energy tunnel gives the vehicle a low centre of gravity, enhancing its dynamics. Together with the positioning of the motor and engine over the axles, the result is an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.[1][2]