BMW i8 Spyder unveiled in China as eDrive
The Bavarians at BMW have come to the 2012 Beijing Motor Show with the i8 Spyder concept that we’ve gotten a bit of a preview of earlier this month.
A motor show debut does usually change the rules of engagement. With the BMW i8 Spyder we find no difference in procedures.
BMW i8 Spyder Concept
There are changes at hand, but none that are actually relevant to the car. Something is now different about the branding.
All of the underpinnings of the BMW i8 Spyder, actually the entire upcoming i Range, can now be easily referred to as e-Drive.
The new designation sounds about as interesting as peeling potatoes but it does make a certain amount of sense. It makes my job a heck of a lot easier.
BMW i8 Spyder Concept
For instance, instead of saying the BMW i8 Spyder is powered by a mix of an electric motor and a turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine, I could just say it has e-Drive.
The system is now well detailed and there’s no need to mention what it’s made up of. We could just say BMW’s e-Drive system and then stick to the basics.
The BMW i8 Spyder that was showcased in China has a combined output of 349 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 78 MPGe.
BMW i8 Spyder Concept
Great fuel economy is fun, but BMW isn’t neglecting the fact that we’re wanting for a quick car with this halo hybrid so they promise it will get from 0 to 62 in just under 5 seconds.
