BMW i8 Concept Spyder

Following last year’s i8 Concept Coupé, BMW has unveiled a two-seat, open-top Spyder version.

Based around the ‘LifeDrive’ modular architecture, the i8 Concept Spyder is a plug-in hybrid that promises to deliver an appealing mix of performance and economy.

BMW i8 Concept Spyder (2012) Front Side
BMW i8 Concept Spyder. Scroll down for more images.

The drivetrain consists of a 219 bhp (164 kW / 223 PS), three-cylinder, twin-turbo petrol engine that drives the rear axle, together with a 128 bhp (96 kW / 131 PS) electric motor that sends its power the front wheels.

Combined, peak torque is 550 Nm (405 lb/ft), which helps the i8 Concept Spyder to accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.0 seconds. Top speed is an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h).

It also achieves the important distinction of being a ‘three litre’ car: EU cycle fuel consumption is 3.0 l/100km, which equates to 94.0 mpg. Of course, no petrol at all is used while the car is using electric power only.

Running in this mode, range is around 17 - 19 miles (27 - 30 kilometres), and the lithium-ion batteries can be recharged via either an engine-driven alternator or a domestic power socket. The latter takes just under one and a half hours.

At 4,480 mm (14’ 8”) long, the i8 Spyder is marginally shorter than the i8 Coupé, and its key design features include forward-pivoting doors, a transparent rear deck panel and a semi-transparent ‘V’ device that runs from the windscreen deep into the bonnet. Construction is mainly aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic, which has been engineered to provide lightness with adequate impact protection.

BMW i8 Concept Spyder (2012) SideBMW i8 Concept Spyder (2012) Interior

BMW i8 Concept Spyder (2012) Rear SideBMW i8 Concept Spyder (2012) Top

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