The Germans at BMW released a new video on their official YouTube channel, this time explaining the development of the i8 sports car.

The most potent car within the company’s new “i” range, the BMW i8 sports a plug-in hybrid configuration with a 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo engine and an electric motor.

This equals to a total output of 362 horsepower and 570 Nm of torque. In order for a hybrid model to be both frugal and sporty, BMW had to focus on efficiency and dynamics.

The low total mass of just 1,490 kilograms is one of BMW’s achievements in making the i8 a true sporty hybrid model. Several wind tunnel tests were conducted in order to improve the drag coefficient for improved fuel consumption figures.

http://youtu.be/1mQhRSH5d9I

Lightweight materials such carbon fiber were used in order to shave extra kilograms. Be sure to check the official video above for an in-depth look at BMW i8’s development.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post How it’s made: BMW i8 explained appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We’ve talked a lot in the past about the BMW i8 and its specs but now, the company officially announced that the second member of the “i” family will enter production in April. Moreover, the Germans provided the official specifications for the eco-friendly sports car.

Under the hood we find a plug-in hybrid powertrain which consists of a 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo engine and an electric motor.

We talk about a total output of 362 horsepower for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4,4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

You will be able to run about 37 kilometers on electricty while using the hybrid system will give you a fuel economy of 2,1 liters/100 km or 134,5 mpg UK.

CO2 emissions will also be low, the official figures indicating 49 g/km. As mentioned above, the BMW i8 will enter production next month with the first units to be delivered to customers in June.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Production for BMW i8 starts in April appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW finally pulled the wraps off the new i8 plug-in hybrid model in final production variant. We’ve seen several prototypes, concepts and near-production models but this time we face the vehicle which will be seen on the streets soon.

The German model packs a 1.5-liter petrol unit producing 231 horsepower and an electric motor offering 131 horses.

The total output of 362 horsepower and 570Nm of torque provides a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4,4 seconds while fuel economy figures are rated at 2,5 liters/100km or 113mpg UK.

The Bavarian company says that the model can go up to 35 kilometers with zero emissions, at speeds up to 120 km/h.

“Wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive features: Park Distance Control, cruise control system with braking function, rain sensor and Intelligent Emergency Call function as standard,” says BMW.

At the exterior, the new BMW i8 comes with LED headlights, new alloy wheels, and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell with a 2+2 configuration.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2014 BMW i8 hits the Frankfurt stage appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Scheduled to make its official debut on September 10 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW i8 gets leaked today in two official photos.

It is true that we’ve seen a ton of images with the new i8 hybrid sports car but these are official photos showing the production variant, not a prototype or concept model.

The main differences compared to the concept version are the doors and the alloy wheels. Inside, the model still retains the digital instrument clusters but gets a series of modifications making it quite similar to other models in the range.

Powering the new BMW i8 is a 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo unit offering 231hp and 320Nm of torque but also an electric motor adding an extra 131hp and 250nm of torque.

Even the total output of the German sports car is 362 horsepower and 570Nm of torque, fuel economy figures are rated at 2,5 liters/100km or 94mpg US with CO2 emissions of 59 g/km.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Official images for the 2014 BMW i8 leaked appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW released a series of videos showing us the complex process behind the new BMW i8 sports car.

As we all know, the new BMW i8 is the second member of the company’s i range after the smaller BMW i3. The plug-in hybrid supercar combines high-performance with impressive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures.

Under the hood sits a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine alongside an electric motor for a combined output of 362 horsepower and 570Nm of torque.

http://youtu.be/t-S5KB1y2zM

The 0-100 km/h acceleration is possible in less than 4,5 seconds with a top speed limited at 250 km/h. The exterior design plays an important role in the model’s performance, therefore, BMW took several wind tunnel tests in order to come up with a nice looking car but also with a good drag coefficient.

You can take a look at the model’s manufacturing process above.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Video: All-new BMW i8 in the making appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The Germans at BMW finally released the official figures for the production variant of the new i8 hybrid sports car. Diving straight to the most important facts and figures, we find out that power is offered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol unit which incorporates the TwinPower Turbo technology.

It develops 231 horsepower and 320Nm of torque and comes alongside an electric unit offering 131 horses and 250Nm of torque.

With a total output of 362 horses and 570Nm of torque, the 0-100 km/h sprint is possible in less than 4,5 seconds with a top speed limited at 250 km/h.

At speeds up to 120 km/h, you can drive fully electric for 35 kilometers while the average fuel consumption in hybrid mode is 2,5liters/100km or 94mpg US.

The German model needs three hours for a complete charge with a standard outlet while the BMW i Wallbox does the same job in just two hours.

The impressive performance is also possible thanks to the model’s drag coefficient of 0.26 and due to the lightweight CFRP cell, magnesium instrument panel supports and aluminum components.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Full specifications for the 2014 BMW i8 revealed appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We finally get an official word from BMW on the highly anticipated i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, a model which is confirmed to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

With the new BMW i3 revealed few days ago, it’s bigger and more powerful brother, the i8, will share the Frankfurt stage as well.

Under the hood, expect to see a three-cylinder petrol unit alongside an electric motor with an output of 170 horsepower and 250Nm of torque.

An all-electric driving range of 35 kilometers is expected with fuel economy figures of 3 liters/100km or 94,1mpg UK. The 0-100 km/h acceleration will be possible in less than five seconds.

It is really nice to see that we will finally get a complete look at the production version of the BMW i8 later this year, at Frankfurt. The model is scheduled to go on sale in the first months of 2014.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

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