The new BMW i8 Spyder has dropped its top at the Beijing Auto Show, looking sleek and stylish as ever. It now bears the eDrive badge, which will adorn all future plugin or Hybrid BMW vehicles. The BMW i8 is claimed to offer a “unique driving experience” as the electric motor provides 100% torque off the line for gut punching performance, aimed at propelling the car all the way to top speed in seconds. The lithium-ion batteries also allow the driver to substantially increase driving range and efficiency, keeping the fragile atmosphere happy.
0-60 times are expected to come in at a scant 5-seconds via a hybrid system. The BMW i8 will have a 170HP electric motor powering the front wheels while a 1.5-liter 3 cylinder turbocharged engine producing 223HP will move the rear wheels. Combined power comes out to a whopping 393 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. The BMW i8 is currently reporting 104.2 mpg on the euro cycle, so expect slightly lower numbers once it hits our shores.
The BMW i8 Spyder has some noticeable styling differences in comparison to its i8 coupe sibling. The most apparent change is the new doors, as the lower glass portion has been replaced with more conventional metal ones. The rear is designed slightly differently, in order to accommodate the folding top as well. The styling of both models clearly borrow some influence from the BMW M1 Homage Concept from a few years ago. The BMW i8, however, has much better looks, with its flowing lines and blue accents. Hopefully the BMW i8 graces our world with a production version sooner rather than later.
What are your thoughts? Is this new BMW a winner?
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BMW i8 Concept Spyder with BMW eDrive in Beijing. New designation for the drive technology of all future electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
23.04.2012
Munich/Beijing. The BMW i8 Concept Spyder is celebrating its world premiere at the Auto China 2012 in Beijing (23 April – 2 May 2012) and the rear-end of the car clearly bears the eDrive emblem for the new technology. In future, the designation eDrive will identify the drive technology for all electric and plug-in hybrid cars from BMW i.
BMW eDrive comprises the components of the electric drivetrain: the electric motor developed in-house by BMW, the lithium-ion battery, and finally the intelligent motor management system. This technology ensures that electromobility with BMW eDrive offers a unique experience. This is because the full torque of the electric motor is available from a standing start and the acceleration unfolds continuously in thoroughbred electric vehicles until the top speed is attained. Vehicles with BMW eDrive technology are therefore extremely agile and offer enormous driving pleasure. The lithium-ion battery cells and the intelligent motor management system also offer a substantial increase in range and power for the vehicle.
The future will see BMW eDrive technology empowering all electric drives – electric and plug-in vehicles from BMW i – giving them the capability for being particularly dynamic and smart.[press_end]
