The new BMW i3 and i8 to be revealed ahead of Frankfurt Auto Show

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It seems that the Germans from BMW are planning to reveal the first two models of the new i sub-brand ahead the Frankfurt Auto Show which starts in September this year. First time when we came in contact with the new fully electric BMW i3 happened few months ago when the spy photographers caught the new electric model from BMW being tested in some frozen lands, most probably in Sweden. Lately, we got some information that the new i3 will come with a starting price of $35,000 while the availability is set for 2013.

The new BMW i8 is a hybrid supercar based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, a large number of features adopted by the concept version following to be found on the production model.

Under the bonnet, the 2013 BMW i3 most likely packs an electric motor able to deliver around 135 horsepower, power which will be sent to the rear wheels. The fully electric Bavarian model will benefit from a set of lithium-ion batteries able to deliver a driving range of around 250 kilometers while the top speed is rumored to reach 160 km/h.

From the first details, the new i8 would adopt a hybrid powertrain which consists of an electric motor offering 162 horsepower and a 1.5-liter turbo diesel engine producing around 160 horses. However, according to some statements of BMW’s development department chief, Klaus Draeger, the new BMW i8 would adopt a petrol propeller instead the diesel unit, the main argument being that the new hybrid supercar wants to be a global model, a petrol engine being the best choice.

All these details will be discussed later next month when the Germans from BMW are planning to introduce the electric i3 and i8 hybrid, just few weeks ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show. To be more precise, the first two models bearing the i badge follow to be revealed at a press conference which will be held in Germany in late July.

“Members of the board and chief of design Adrian Van Hooydonk will give a talk on the future of the BMW i sub-brand and what that means in terms of design and drivetrain technology for the coming years. We will get our first look at production versions of the i3 and i8,” said BMW Group Australia head of corporate communications Piers Scott.

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Rikk

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