New test drives of the BMW i8 hybrid sportscar took place last week in Santa Monica, California. The latest footage shows us the new i8 being put through its paces on the beautiful canyon roads surrounding Los Angeles.

BMW i8 uses a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a turbocharged three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and BMW eDrive technology in the form of an electric drive system. The 1.5-liter combustion engine develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels of the BMW i8, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric drive sends its power to the front wheels and allows an all-electric range of up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

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The U.S. market gets the BMW i8 in August 2014 at a base price of $135,700, and latest reports say the car is already sold out and selling at way above the base price. In some cases we have heard that the selling price was above $200,000.

First deliveries of the i8 took place last week in Munich where European customers picked up their progressive sportscars at the BMW Welt.

SEE ALSO: BMW i8 vs Porsche 911

Here is the video: