The 2012 BMW i8 Spyder Concept is a plug-in hybrid powered
by an eDrive drivetrain combining a high-performance electric motor and petrol
combustion engine. The lithium-ion battery supplying the motor with power can
be recharged in an extremely short space of time from any domestic power
socket. Together, the car’s minimised weight, low centre of gravity and finely
judged balance, coupled with a combined system output of up to 260 kW (354 hp),
promise unbeatable dynamic capability, exceptional efficiency and unbridled
driving pleasure.
Despite its cabriolet silhouette, the vehicle will be
keeping its swan doors that fold upwards. This is enabled by the carbon rich
structure of the i8 which makes for a very stiff structure. The passenger
‘Life’ cell is made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) while the
‘Drive’ platform underneath is made from aluminium. The ithium battery can be
found in the car’s spine assisting with providing a low sense of gravity and BMW’s 50:50 weight distribution.
The 96 kW (131 hp) electric motor on the front axle works in
tandem with a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine sending 164 kW (223 hp)
through the rear wheels. Both units are in-house BMW Group developments and
generate an aggregate system output of 260 kW (354 hp) and peak torque of 550
Newton metres. That is enough to accelerate the BMW i8 Spyder Concept from 0 to
100 km/h (62 mph) in five seconds on the way to an electronically governed top
speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Despite this performance, the two-seater burns
just three litres of petrol per 100 kilometres (equivalent to fuel economy of
94 mpg imp) in the European test cycle.
Posted by , Published at Friday, April 06, 2012 and have
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