Well, you've seen the spy photographs and you've seen the BMW i8 on the set of the new Mission Impossible movie filming in Mumbai. So these aren't totally unexpected; however, the limited amount of information we've been provided is pretty intriguing.
Regarding the BMW i3, it's now been officially told that the product will be a fully-electric offering with upwards of 170 horsepower. Here's the twist though, its electric motor will be placed over the rear axle and hit 62 mph in approximately eight seconds. Not too bad for an electric!
From a design perspective, it's pretty clear that the i3 is going to be the more practical vehicle that goes after the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, granted, it doesn't appear to be such a HUGE market as analysts were anticipating.
Moving onto the sporting i8, it looks like BMW is going for broke on this one as it bears some resemblance to the M1 Homage. According to the press release, BMW has made the i8 a plug-in hybrid which will utilize the i3's electric drive system over the front axle and a three-cylinder *combustion* -- NOTE: they didn't say gas or diesel -- motor at the rear, which is said to be good for 220 horsies. Considering we've heard the i8 test mules with a diesel motor, we're pretty sure we know which way BMW is headed with this unless there's a last minute executive decision.
Although BMW didn't release how much power the group effort would produce, it's said to hit 62 in less than five seconds and can travel up to 20 miles on electric power alone.
As these are both concepts, the rest can be left up to your imagination.
Ultimately though, we want to know: Are the i3 and i8 living up to your expectations OR does BMW have to get back to the drawing board?
BMW's press release follows:
BMW i3 Concept – dynamic, urban, emission-free.
The BMW i3 Concept is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.
The BMW i3 is a well-resolved all-round concept, with every detail conceived and optimized to fulfill its eventual purpose. Its innovative LifeDrive architecture renders the BMW i3 Concept light, safe, spacious and dynamic. Innovative use of materials and intelligent lightweight design, moreover, not only enable the i3 Concept to travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb safety in the event of a collision, they also help give the car its excellent driving dynamics. The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly crisp driving characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.
BMW i3 and i8 Concept Photo Gallery
The “Life module” conjures up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest conversion vehicles can offer. Select materials lend the open and airy cabin a lounge-like character. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of experiencing the sustainability of the vehicle. Parts of the instrument panel and door paneling are visibly made from natural fibers, while the naturally tanned leather of the seats creates a lounge-style ambience. With four seats, wide-opening opposing coach doors, a trunk capacity of around 200 liters and an additional functional compartment in the front, the BMW i3 Concept is neatly equipped for the demands of everyday use.
Innovative connectivity functions create a seamless connection between the BMW i3 Concept and its customers’ lives outside the car. Remote functions accessible via a smartphone enable owners to find their vehicles, flag up nearby charging stations, allow battery charging and preconditioning at the touch of a button, and supply information on the current status of the vehicle. Meanwhile, intelligent assistance systems ease the stress on drivers in monotonous city driving situations and allow them to arrive at their destination more safely and in a more relaxed state of mind.
BMW i3 and i8 Concept Photo Gallery
BMW i8 Concept – emotional, dynamic and efficient.
The BMW i8 Concept and the innovative approach that underpins it embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.
Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three liters per 100 kilometers (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometers (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.
BMW i3 and i8 Concept Photo Gallery
The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle’s sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an “energy tunnel”, which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
The emotional design of the BMW i8 Concept ensures its qualities are clear for all to see. Its dynamic proportions give the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of surging forward before it even turns a wheel and lend visual form to its extraordinary performance.
The sporting character continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the BMW i8 Concept immerses the driver fully in the unique driving experience. The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable.
BMW i3 and i8 Concept Photo Gallery
BMW i3 and i8 Concept Photo Gallery
2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series Photo Gallery
Full 2011 Comicon Photo Gallery
Waterfest 2011 Photo Gallery
SPIED! FIRST Look Next-Gen Ford Escape Photo Gallery
2012 Audi A5 S5 Photo Gallery