BMW will unveil the production version of its new i8 plug-in hybrid at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, the German automaker announced while giving no pricing indications.
Larger than the recently introduced BMW i3 , this new model is made of aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, and weighs a mere 1,490 kg (3,285 lbs). A 231-hp, 1.5L three-cylinder engine combines with a 131-hp electric motor to propel the BMW i8 from 0-96 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is comparable to a Tesla Model S . The gasoline engine drives the front wheel, and the electric motor takes care of the rear wheels, essentially forming an all-wheel drive setup.
The BMW i8 will apparently charge in about 3.5 hours from a 120V outlet or just 1.5 hour from a 240V Level 2 charger. DC fast charging at 440V has yet to be confirmed, but it could allow the i8's battery to get back to 80% in 20 minutes or less.
In pure EV mode, the BMW i8 will offer a range of about 35 km and a top speed of 120 km/h. With both sources of power engaged, it will top out at 250 km/h. Calculated using the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the average fuel efficiency of the BMW i8 at model launch will be less than 2.5L/100km, the company claims.
Source : thedetroitbureau.com
Larger than the recently introduced BMW i3 , this new model is made of aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, and weighs a mere 1,490 kg (3,285 lbs). A 231-hp, 1.5L three-cylinder engine combines with a 131-hp electric motor to propel the BMW i8 from 0-96 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is comparable to a Tesla Model S . The gasoline engine drives the front wheel, and the electric motor takes care of the rear wheels, essentially forming an all-wheel drive setup.
The BMW i8 will apparently charge in about 3.5 hours from a 120V outlet or just 1.5 hour from a 240V Level 2 charger. DC fast charging at 440V has yet to be confirmed, but it could allow the i8's battery to get back to 80% in 20 minutes or less.
In pure EV mode, the BMW i8 will offer a range of about 35 km and a top speed of 120 km/h. With both sources of power engaged, it will top out at 250 km/h. Calculated using the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the average fuel efficiency of the BMW i8 at model launch will be less than 2.5L/100km, the company claims.
Source : thedetroitbureau.com
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| Photo: BMW |