The 362 horsepower all-wheel-drive
BMW i8 plug-in hybrid prototype combines a 131 horsepower electric drive system and a lithium-ion battery to power the front wheels via an integrated two-stage automatic transmission with a 231 horsepower three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo gas engine to power to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The BMW i8 can operate solely on electric power with an expected 0 – 60 mph time of under 4.5 seconds with a range of up to approximately 22 miles and a top speed of about 75 mph. The maximum driving range of the BMW i8 on a full fuel tank and with a fully charged battery is over 310 miles
The BMW i8 has a curb weight of less than 3,285 lbs with its battery pack situated low down in the middle of the vehicle, resulting in a low and central center of gravity, which improves safety. In the US a full recharge takes approximately 3½ hours from a conventional 120 volt, 12 amp household circuit or approximately 1½ hours from a 220 volt Level 2 charger.
The BMW i8 will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month and arrive in BMW showrooms in 2014.
