During this year's New York Auto Show, BMW is planning to reveal their latest take on the hybrid automotive market by exhibiting the BMW i8 Spyder Concept. Judging by its looks and by what BMW engineers have revealed thus far about the i8 Spyder Concept, the hybrid in question sounds intriguing and promising in the least.
First, let's discuss what makes the BMW i8 Spyder Concept come to life. The i8 Spyder Concept is powered by an innovative powertrain that consists in a 223 horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine which focuses on the rear wheels, and a 131 horsepower electric motor which sends its power to the front wheels.
The electric motor is powered by a lithium ion battery which supposedly can be fully charged in under two hours via a household socket. The entire package is able to produce 354 horsepower and roughly 405 lb-ft of torque and makes the car capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 in five seconds. Allegedly the BMW i8 Spyder can reach top speeds of 155 miles per hour, and although everything sounds quite demanding for a hybrid car, BMW states that the i8 Spyder can cover 78 mpg and 19 miles in full-electric mode.
Interestingly enough the weight of the car is slightly less than 3,600 lbs and the weight distribution has been kept to 50:50, so the BMW i8 Spyder Concept might handle quite well in the curves. Furthermore the BMW i8 Spyder will be capable of functioning in all-wheel drive mode, but the driver will have the option of choosing how much power should go to the front, or the rear wheels.
The exterior of the car looks astonishing, even for a concept car. It's more than likely that further changes will be made on the design before the BMW i8 Spyder goes into full production, but in this stage of development at least, the i8 manages to make the world of hybrid cars look like a very interesting place.
Some key elements concerning its design are the blue stripes which not only make the car look prettier, but BMW engineers say they improve the aerodynamics as well. Furthermore, a transparent glass panel has been fitted on the rear deck which adds more to the already clear look of the i8, but the amusing part is that underneath the glass panel are to be found two electric kick scooters. We're not sure what to make all of this, and it's more than likely that this will not be a feature included in the final version of the i8 but to be honest, if I'd drive a BMW i8 Spyder I'm quite sure I wouldn't be too interested in an electric kick scooters, so at least from my point of view I can't really understand their purpose. Perhaps BMW is planning on selling electric kick scooters in the future.
Last but not least, the interior of the car manages to looks quite futuristic and features three displays meant to show instruments, infotainment functions and climate controls. Furthermore, the BMW i8 Spyder Concept is making use of a navigation system which is able to monitor road conditions and topography in order to optimize the car's power and battery charge.
More information concerning the BMW i8 Spyder will surface during the upcoming New York Auto Show.
