In 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, one of the “Big Three” German automaker BMW announced a plug-in hybrid concept named Vision Efficient Dynamics and then at the 2011 Frankfurt Moto Show the BMW unveiled that the concept is destined for production. The concept builds on the latest technology to deliver unique driving dynamics, high fuel economy and low CO2 emission. The BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics is designed by the Mario Majdandzic, Exterior Design and Jochen Paesen , Interior Design. The production version got one significant change compared to the Concept version that is its name, the BMW changed the Vision Efficient Dynamics to the BMW i8.
Exterior and Interior
The BMW i8 gets a futuristic sleek and innovative design built mostly on an aluminum chassis providing housing to Powertrain and passenger cell. The passenger cell is made up of high strength, lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Due to the abundant use of aluminum and carbon fiber the concept i8 will weight less than the 3,285 pounds. The car share some of its styling elements with the latest models of the BMW including dual large air intakes and kidney grille. The gull-wing doors are eliminated and so the car now gets standard doors and a quad exhaust system at the rear end.
Dimensions
What the BMW packs inside the BMW i8? A question in the mind of most of us however, at this point the inetrior features, materials and craftsmanship is unknown. Well, it is confirmed that the i8 will accommodate four people and we can also expect a high end cabin with loads of luxury features, technology and comfort.
Safety Features
The safety features of the BMW i8 are not known but looking at the current trends and high standards of safety requirements and laws it is obvious that the car gets some strong and innovative safety features.
Under the Hood
Under the hood of the BMW i8 Concept fits a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine produces 231 horsepower and 236 lb ft of torque to the rear wheel. The front wheels get power from an electric motor producing 131 horsepower and 184 lb ft of torque. In this regard the i8 produces a sum of 362 horsepower and 420 lb ft of torque. The gasoline engine is mated with a six speed automatic transmission and the electric motor is paired with a two stage transmission.
The i8 gets two driving modes, the “D” and “Sport”. The D driving mode is designed to deliver comfort over performance as in this driving mode the transmission shifts automatically. The Sport is the opposite of the “D” and is designed to deliver high end performance.
Two additional modes are also offered at the center console to choose from. The driver is allowed to choose between two driving modes, “Comfort” and “ECO Pro”. The comfort mode is offering an ideal balance between performance and economy whereas ECO PRO is designed to deliver high fuel efficiency.
The acceleration from 0-60 mph is less than 4.5 seconds up to 155 mph, Fuel economy is 95 MPGe combined and 22 miles on electric only mode.
Pricing and Availability
The production version of the BMW i8 will make its world debut at 2013’s Frankfurt auto show and is expected to go on sale in 2014 and the price will be announced at a later date.
Competitors
2014 R8 V8 Coupe, 2015 Mercedes Benz SLC Class
Conclusion
The BMW i8 Concept is just close to hit the dealership however, we can just keep our expectations high because still much of the details are not available.
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