DETROIT AUTO SHOW: A Real Treat For 00R — Sitting In The All-New BMW i8

While the automotive business is full of luddites, idiots and jaded people just trying to knock out the mortgage, I still get a thrill out of the little things. Maybe I am a manchild but, guess what, I am still having a blast.

To be straightforward, I haven't exactly been particularly interested in the BMW i8. Though I drove the prototype 1-Series equipped with the three-cylinder powerplant last year and found it to have that certain BMW-esque sound, I still remain skeptical. Is it really worth the price of admission?

Check out the 1-Series prototype drive.

I had to investigate at the show.

So I walked over to it, popped open the door that reached for the sky and observed. In the door jambs you can see exposed carbon fiber reinforced plastic. It's a particularly weird pattern that has — I am guessing — a matte clearcoat over it to make it smooth. There's the WIDE sill you have to step up and over to plant you right foot into the floorboards. You have to twist yourself into the cabin to avoid hitting your head into the door and you plop down into the seat as it's positioned really low in the cabin. This car definitely will take a bit of practice to get in and out of smoothly without looking like a fool.

Behind the steering wheel it doesn't take too long to realize how high quality the interior space is. It's quality is on par with the likes of the 760Li and M6 Gran Coupe. Everything's in the place you'd expect it to be and the leather bits are stitched tight. The all-new, ultra thin seats are very comfortable and hug you in the right places, unlike some of BMW's sport seats that grab you far too low.

Since having a moment with the car and taking it all in, I have to say I am now very excited to get behind the wheel and take 'er for a spin. If it lives up to its "green" claims and put out M3/M4 performance, this is going to be one helluva ride.

The biggest thing I like about this car is that it feels and looks exotic. It reminds me of a McLaren more than anything else. BMW made this car to be special. You have to appreciate when an automaker does something like this.


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cidflekken - 1/19/2014 2:54:23 PM

+1 Boost

I guess one can only take your word for how "special" this car appears to be. Because pictures don't convey that. The interior, despite its attempts are visual titillation, looks ordinary. The gear knob looks completely intrusive to the lower center stack controls. The interior colors look as exciting as baby food, or the end result of it. And the exterior is just nothing overly special.

Overall, just like with BMW SAVs, if the kidney grille and roundel logo wasn't on it, it probably wouldn't be anything "special", or even attractive.

Agent00R - 1/19/2014 6:09:28 PM

+1 Boost

BMW interiors aren't supposed to look like a Ferrari or Lamborghini with "visual titllation." They're supposed to be Spartan, which is what this car does well. It is what it is and it's greats.

The gear knob looks "intrusive" to the lower center stack? Man, you're really reaching here.

And, once again, the vehicle's exterior is very unique if you see the proportions. The highlight is the back end of the car where the aerodynamic treatments come into to play. No other vehicle has this look to it, sorry mate.

The only other cars that come close are the original M1 and Lamborghini Urraco — of course I am speaking about the overall shape.

cidflekken - 1/19/2014 9:22:51 PM

0 Boost

Right, so BMW's attempt at being "spartan" includes all those wavy dash lines and different plateaus. I actually think it would look much better without all that "waterfall" looking crap and was ACTUALLY spartan and tasteful.

And, yes, the gear knob "looks" (as I haven't sat in it) intrusive as its' right in front of those functional buttons on the lower part of the center stack.

MrEE - 1/19/2014 5:23:02 PM

+1 Boost

I thought the carbon fiber reinforced plastic was what Toyota could get of value along with diesel engines for Europe in their collaboration, but it doesn't look ready for prime time. Appears to be hand layup and should only be exposed under-hood, in trunk, or underside.

pcar4evr - 1/19/2014 6:05:05 PM

+2 Boost

Paparazzi are gonna love Paris Hilton getting out of that car not wearing her knickers

Agent00R - 1/19/2014 8:48:59 PM

+1 Boost

I think it's safe to say any woman riding better be mindful of what they can potentially expose.

spruce_rd - 1/21/2014 7:52:09 AM

+1 Boost

Not crazy about carbon fiber layout around the doors, it looks amateurish.
Other than that, hottt car and I like it a lot, especially the engines/mileage.