The folks over at The Smoking Tire caught a BMW i8 prototype while testing in California. BMW i8 goes on sale in 2014 and had its world debut in Frankfurt.
The BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid system is specific to this model. A 1.5 liter three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is combined with an electric drive system and a lithium-ion battery which can be recharged at a standard household power socket. The 231 hp (170 kW) gasoline
engine sends its power to the rear wheels, while the 131 hp (96 kW) electric motor powers the front wheels.
BMW i8: 10 Things To Know
This configuration offers all-electric driving capability with a range of up to approx. 22 miles (35 kilometers) and a top speed of approximately 75 mph (120 km/h).
It is was also announced that the BMW i8 will have a manufacturer’s suggest retail price of $135,700 (including destination and handling) when it arrives in US showrooms in spring of 2014.
