The 2012 BMW i8 Concept Spyder is a two-seater, open-top hybrid designed to appeal to sports car enthusiasts.
Its innovative, lightweight construction, coupled with a powerful hybrid engine, that delivers a striking performance and impressive fuel efficiency.
The car itself we've already learned plenty about, but seeing it on stage shows once again that BMW is serious about putting cars like these on the road (toned down from the concept's style, of course, perhaps with something like this). We're more than ready for the through-the-road, plug-in hybrid that packs a 96-kW (131-horsepower) electric motor in front and a turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine offering 223 hp in back. 0-62 in five seconds and maybe 78 MPGe? Yes, please.
BMW is also making official the "eDrive" name, which is the new catch-all name for all of the electric drivetrain components: motor, battery and motor management system. First hinted at in 2008, the eDrive designation will be used "for the drive technology of all future electric and plug-in hybrid cars," so get used to seeing it a lot.
Interior
The instrument cluster features a digital speedometer and displays several streams of data to allow the driver monitor all aspects of the car's performance, such as fuel consumption and remaining electrical power. The display changes colors to reflect the various modes that the driver can select. These modes are standard, ECO PRO for maximum fuel efficiency, and Sport.
The 2012 BMW i8 Concept Spyder is also equipped with a comprehensive range of modern electronic systems that control in-car entertainment, traffic and weather information, parking assistance, collision warning, and navigation aids.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sports Coupe | Est. Market Price: NA |
| Engine: 3 Cylinder Hybrid | Aspiration: Turbocharged |
| Horsepower: 223 HP | Torque: 406 lb-ft |
| Electric Motor: 96 kW | Horsepower: 131 HP |
| 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds | Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h) |
