BMW i8 Spyder Concept: Economical eco-athletes with 354 hp
The study of an electric roadster BMW will increase the tension on the production version of the current athlete i8. The two-seater with a lightweight body and hybrid unveiled at the auto show in Beijing (27 April to 2 May) Premiere. The series, designed as a coupe model is expected for 2014.
Visually, the BMW i8 Spyder follows the path taken at the 2009 IAA already taken the Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept: The most important design feature is the flat body of the roadster, which seems to consist of several layers.
Waiver of the rear bench seat
Compared to the first study, the length is slightly shrunk to 4.48 meters, was dispensed onto the rear seat. In their place is now two e-scooter space. The previously exported from glass doors are now made of carbon and thus act in series closer. In bad weather a two-piece hardtop for protection.
About 30 kilometers to the "BMW i8 can drive on electric power". The engine on the front axle delivers 96 kW/131 hp and is powered by a mounted in the vehicle center lithium-ion battery. Is it empty, it must not be immediately to the outlet?
Instead, a turbocharged three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine as a generator provides for replenishment. The 164 kW/223 hp combustion engine at the rear serves not only the range extension, if necessary, but helps when driving.
Hybrid system makes 354 hp
Together with the electric engine the result is a hybrid system with 260 kW/354 hp and accelerates the BMW i8 in five seconds from zero to 100 km / h. Top speed is electronically limited at 250 km / h.
While the e-sports output in terms of the performance can be measured with the conventionally powered competitors, it will set new standards of consumption. The manufacturer specifies a standard value of three liters per 100 kilometers.
Here also the approximately 30 kilometers are considered pure electric incurred only once during each trip. On the second hundred miles, consumption must be correspondingly higher.
Passenger cell is made of carbon
this minimized the thirst fails, set the BMW i8 to light. The cabin is made of carbon, the bulk of the suspension components made of aluminum. A light weight is not the roadster with a curb weight of 1630 kg anyway.
The BMW i8 Spyder Concept is less of a view of a concrete Roadster model, but rather a look at the intermediate level of evolution of the eco-athlete. The launch is expected in two years, then as a coupe. Just one year before BMW will bring the small car i3 his first electric car to market. The city car will cost around 40,000 euros; the sports car feel should be more expensive.
