From Bulgaria, we bring you a new photo gallery of the BMW i8. The hybrid sportscar went on sale last year and quickly became an icon for the Bavarian brand. This Crystal White i8 found a home near a private airfield surrounded by small jets, a common theme around the world.
The i8 is BMW’s most precious jewel at the moment. They hybrid sportscar not only impresses with its futuristic design and exotic looks, but also with a highly-advanced hybrid platform.
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).
The innovative vehicle architecture of the BMW i8 comprises two elements: the Life module, the passenger cell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and the aluminum Drive module, which incorporates the entire drivetrain and chassis technology. The LifeDrive concept and use of CFRP allows production times to be cut by half compared to those required for an equivalent car built along conventional lines.
BMW USA has just announced that production for the i8 will increase in 2015, with more than 1000 units being planned for the American market.
BMW i8 has a manufacturer’s suggest retail price of $135,70.
[Photos: Bimmertoday]
