BMW i8

I8 The concept of efficiency rating is further enhanced by its ability to produce energy on both axles. Added that, 2 +2- seater offers ample space for four people, providing a high level of everyday practicality.
Acceleration 0 to 100 km / h (62 mph) in less than five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle under three liters per 100 kilometers (about 94 mpg imp) and the customer's fuel consumption average of between five and seven liters per 100 kilometers (40.4 to 56.5 mpg imp) - even when driven hard - the figure is currently beyond the capabilities of each vehicle powered by internal combustion engines of comparable performance. Thanks to the large lithium-ion batteries, which can be filled from the domestic power supply, i8 BMW Concept can travel up to 35 kilometers (about 20 kilometers) of electrical power alone. Most daily trips short so that it can be solved with zero emissions. Electric-only mode allows the car to include emissions-capped downtown area with access restrictions in place for petrol or diesel vehicles. The electric motor in front wheel recoups the maximum energy whenever the driver brakes, while a high voltage alternator connected to a combustion engine charges the battery, if needed.

The emotional design of the BMW i8 Concept ensures its qualities are clear for all to see. Its dynamic proportions give the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of surging forward before it even turns a wheel and lend visual form to its extraordinary performance. The sophisticated concept behind the upward-swivelling doors fixed to the A-pillars underlines the car's sporting capability and opens up access to the front and rear seats at the same time.

A series of air inlets allow the air to flow through and around the vehicle to optimum effect, ensuring extremely low drag. They also add visual emphasis to these advanced aerodynamics. Airflow plays an extremely important role at the rear of the vehicle as well. Intakes behind the passenger cell and at the rear provide a cooling flow of air through the engine compartment, while outlets in the rear diffuser and the flow of air around the rear wheels ensure the car is extremely efficient in terms of lift and downforce at both axles.

The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle's sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an "energy tunnel", which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity - and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.

The weight of every component inside the BMW i8 Concept has been minimised down to the very last detail, allowing the extra weight of the electric drive system and battery to be cancelled out. The BMW i8 Concept therefore presents the ideal environment in which to sample this very special drive concept on the road. The passengers sit - in typical sports car style - in an extremely low and enclosed position inside the CFRP-constructed Life module (mounted above the Drive module).

The sporting character of the BMW i8 Concept continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the BMW i8 Concept immerses the driver fully in the unique driving experience. The purpose-built driver's position is geared squarely towards the person at the wheel and gives optimum access to all information and controls. The three-dimensional displays are crystal clear and flash up the relevant information for the driving situation at hand. The interior as a whole is defined by the functionality of a classical BMW sports car and majors on lightness and ease of use. The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation - pure, emotional and sustainable.