Each year, a jury of 48 international journalists from the automotive industry announces the finalists and awards the best cars for each category involved. This year`s World Car of the Year have also announced the finalists for the World Urban Car, World Green Car, World Luxury Car, World Car Design of and World Performance Car of the Year categories. Finally, the 2018 World Car of the Year decides which is the best model in the world.

The winning cars will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in March, with three finalists to be listed at this year`s 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

As expected, the competition is pretty tight and gathers the world`s most important models in each category. BMW is proud to be a finalist in no less than five of them. Unfortunately, it does miss the World Urban Car of the Year, this category being dominated by cars like Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. Please find below each category with all the finalists listed in the official order.

2018 World Car of the Year

World Urban Car Category
Ford Fiesta
Hyundai Kona
Nissan Mirca
Suzuki Swift
Volkswagen Polo.

World Green Car Category
BMW 530e iPerformance
Chevrolet Cruze diesel
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Nissan LEAF.

World Luxury Car Category
Audi A8
BMW 6 Series GT
Lexus LS
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Panamera.

World Car Design Category
BMW i8
Lamborghini Urus.

World Performance Car Category
Alfa Romeo Giulia QV
Audi RS 3
BMW M5
Honda Civic Type R
Lexus LC 500.

2018 World Car of the Year
Alfa Romeo Giulia
BMW X3
Kia Stinger
Land Rover Discovery
Mazda CX-5
Nissan LEAF
Range Rover Velar
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen T-Roc
Volvo XC60.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Models Are Finalists in 2018 World Car of the Year appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Without a doubt eh BMW i8 is one of the most iconic vehicles produced by the Bavarian automaker at this point. Not only is it a hybrid, it also looks and feels fresh. Its futuristic look is enough to convince anybody to actually dream about owning this particular BMW model. Taking this in account, how would and SUV variant of the same vehicle look? Someone decided to imagine this scenario. The result is quite interesting.

The BMW i8 is without a doubt one of the best vehicles in term of design and technology implementation. It’s a car any BMW fan would want to own. This particular BMW model is the embodiment of performance and comfort. It is one of the most balanced vehicles in terms of its look and feel. While imagining it as an SUV vehicle may seem to some as a bit of a stretch, the idea itself is not bad at all. In fact, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if BMW decided to indeed create a hybrid SUV i8 model.

The imagined BMW i8 SUV looks like a combination of the i8 and another of BMW’s well known models, the X6. The car not only looks interesting, but seems as if it were real. There is nothing that would indicate this is indeed an imagined model. Every aspect of the car seems to have been adapted to the new assigned role. The car’s aspect remains quite aggressive, while retaining, at the same time, the futuristic look the i8 has already accustomed us with.

BMW has announced that an electric X3 is in the works, but will there also be an i8 SUV model waiting to be released? The chances are quite small. In the end a hybrid SUV variant would not make much sense after the announcement of an electric SUV model. It would be an interesting idea for BMW to produce an SUV variant of the i8 as a limited edition vehicle. BMW fans would most likely look forward to purchasing such a vehicle in order to expand their private collection.

No matter how you look at it, the idea of a BMW i8 SUV quite interesting. The futuristic design of the i8 combined with the SUV concept would definitely fit well for this imagined model. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether or not the folks over at BMW will decide to create such a vehicle. The imagined BMW i8 SUV would prove to be quite an asset, were it to be indeed produced.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i8 Imagined as SUV appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Without a doubt, BMW is one of the most famous automakers in the world. With so much fame it is hard to count the number of BMW fans around the world. Among them, one of the youngest BMW fans, Paul, has already decided on his favorite vehicle brand. With this in mind, the folks over at BMW decided to thank Paul for the interest he has shown regarding the Bavarian automaker.

With the help of his parents, Paul decided to establish contact with somebody from the Munich BMW HQ. Surprised by the young fan, the people over at BMW decided to offer Paul a chance to ride in one of the most interesting models produced by the Bavarian automaker, the BMW i8. Along with this, Paul also received a toy car to go along with the planned test drive. Needless to say, the young fan was totally surprised. The people over at BMW managed to offer young Paul an unforgettable experience.

The BMW i8 was the perfect choice in this situation on account of its futuristic look. Young Paul was quite surely impressed by the car. The technology invested in this particular model is enough to convince anyone. After all, the BMW i8 is one of the most representative models produced by BMW at this point. The whole plan was successful. BMW made sure to surprise their fan to such an extent that he will most likely never consider driving any other car except for one produced by BMW.

The most interesting part regarding this particular event is that BMW managed to make a fan happy while also improving its own image. Such acts not only determine sympathy but could very well also attract new buyers. The message sent by BMW is that it cares for its fans as much as it cares about its customers. Without a doubt, this whole experience could prove quite useful for BMW too, especially for the marketing departments.

Regardless of you how you look at the situation, the Bavarian automaker managed to make one of its youngest fans very happy by showing him that his thoughts, opinions and perspectives matter very much for BMW. As a result, it could be said that this particular plan proved to be a success for both young Paul and for BMW’s marketing image. In the end it was a win-win situation for all.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 5-Year-Old Fan Gets a Big Surprise from BMW appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The BMW i8 is by far one of the most futuristic looking car models that exist today. Its design lines seem to have been brought out straight from a science fiction movie. At this year’s LA Auto Show BMW showed a variant of the i8 that will soon reach production, the BMW i8 Roadster.

Just like the original i8, the i8 Roadster is a futuristic looking vehicle. The design has been kept pretty much the same. The only visible difference is that the BW i8 Roadster, as the name suggests, lost its roof in favor of a mobile soft-top. The BMW i8 Roadster seems sportier on account of it losing its hardtop. The retractable roof is capable of fully deploying in a mere 16 seconds. It can also be activated without fully stopping the car.

The interior has also been adapted to fit the new personality of the car. Just like in the case of the original BMW i8, it keeps the futuristic look, which in turn gives the car a cohesive look and feel. The newly added badges complete the car’s new look. The BMW i8 Roadster seems like a fun car to drive. With the roadster, BMW has also attempted to attract a different buyer segment than previously. The car looks and feels sporty while also being eco-friendly.

The engine of the BMW i8 Roadster has been kept virtually the same. It outputs 228HP and is the result of a hybrid type system that uses both a small petrol engine and an electric motor to give this car all the power it needs. It does 0 to 100km/h in about 4 seconds. The folks over at BMW claim that there is no change in performance for the Roadster in comparison with the original BMW i8. Given the fact that the engine hasn’t changed and neither has the overall structure of the body, the performance of the car should be the same as in the case of the original BMW i8.

No matter how you look at it, the BMW i8 Roadster is a welcomed addition to the BMW family. While it retains the original spirit of the BMW i8, the Roadster adds quite a lot of fun factor. Combined with the already defining eco-friendly aspect, the BMW i8 Roadster seems like one of the most complete road experiences you can get out there.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i8 Roadster Presented at LA Auto Show appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The premium brand of Group PSA which creates special Citroen models, DS Automobiles, is well-known for manufacturing its own custom rides as well, and the finest example is the recent release of the DS 7, already presented a couple of days back.

As for building a hypercar with worthy performance of a supercar, DS is reported to come out with a worthy rival for the new BMW i8. The report comes from Auto Express which states that the model in question could take its inspiration from the E-Tense Concept revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

This comes after DS Automobiles have partnered a group of Canadian investors, like Exagon Motors, Hydro-Quebec`s IndusTech and Investissement Quebec, to manufacture a high-performance the necessary parts for building such a powerful hybrid supercar.

We are looking here at a monster hybrid car which would come with an ultra-futuristic design, extremely advanced aerodynamics and sheer performance under the hood. Speaking about performance, the BMW`s i8 362 horsepower might be left in the dust with the DS`s new supercar, with around 600 horsepower.

Yves Bonnefont, Chief Executive at DS Automobiles, have also hinted the idea of such a powerful hybrid model, stating in an interview with Auto Express that “This is a possibility, yes, but it`s far too early to talk about anything.”

As a reminder, the BMW i8 is equipped same I3 1.5-liter synchronous engine backed by an electric motor. The overall power stands at 362 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 250 km/h.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i8 Could Be No Match for Future DS`s Hybrid Monster appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Just like the regular carmakers worldwide, tuners too will officially introduce their special rides at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, which opens its gates next week. AC Schnitzer German house will release their specially-modified BMW i8 with Carbon Aerodynamic Accessories.

As you can predict, we are looking here at carbon fiber accessories and some fine mechanics which make the i8 extremely appealing and more aggressive. The model is now coming with carbon fiber front spoiler and side skirts, carbon Racing rear wing which increase the car`s aerodynamics, as well as the new lowering springs which lower its ride height by 25 mm and 20 mm front and rear, respectively.

Other fine features also refer to the carbon fiber middle front spoiler, carbon fiber bonnet top with middle strut, carbon front side wing and more carbon fiber air outlets at both front and rear for a sportier look and greater stance.

We should also mention the carbon fiber skirts on both sides, with three-piece carbon rear diffuser providing the i8 with more downforce and better pressure distribution, adding as well carbon fiber door handle recesses and mirror covers, and new logos.

The impressive carbon fiber aero kit is complemented with the tuner`s special and lightweight AC1 Forged Alloy Wheels in BiColor or Anthracite which perfectly complement the Red Chrome exterior wrap. They are sized 21 x 8.5J and 21 x 9.5J front and rear, respectively, and are also built to increase the car`s impressive dynamics.

The cabin also comes with new touches, like aluminum pedal set, aluminum footrest and floor mats which bring a sportier feel and cozy look. In the engine department, the model remains stock. We should find out full prices next week in Geneva.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i8 with Carbon Aerodynamic Accessories by AC Schnitzer appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW is campaigning the gorgeous BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition just ahead its arrival at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, alongside another hot version the Protonic Frozen Yellow, the model popping-up online in a splendid photo session.

Both special exterior colours will join the paint scheme range, which were officially presented almost three years ago, when the model was released on the market. These include the Java Green, Speed Yellow, Solar Orange, Twilight Purple Pearl, Frozen Black San Marino Blue, Grigio Telesto Pearl, and shortly followed by the special edition Protonic Blue and Protonic Red.

The exquisite model is standing out from the crowd with the Protonic Frozen Black Edition highlighted with Frozen Grey Metallic accents and some black trims on the bonnet and rear, all of them showcasing the car`s exquisite design lines.

The interior of the cabin welcomes you with anthracite-colored headliner, grey seat belts, ceramic accents, lettering with dark NESO seats with woven yellow, headrest with the i8 logo and so on.

In the engine department, the 2017 BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition will use the same high-performance plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

We are looking here at a I5 three-cylinder turbocharged TwinPower Turbo engine, developing 231 horsepower and sending the power to the rear axle. The conventional mill is coupled to an electric drive system which adds an extra 131 horsepower, all being sent to the front.

With all this sheer power, the plug-in hybrid is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, which makes it more outstanding than the M3 or M4. The all-electric range is also set at 35 km, at a topping of 120 km/h, with an overall of 530 km range.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition Gets Impressive Photo Session ahead Geneva 2017 appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

With so many bold projects up-ahead, we almost forgot that the German based carmaker BMW is also preparing a hot convertible variant of the outstanding i8 Coupe, and that because the upcoming i8 Spyder was recently seen without its roof in a series of first spy photos, released by Carscoops via CarPix.

The making of the BMW i8 Spyder would prove to be a successful project from the start, with different rendering artists all over the world already envisioning their own interpretation of the model. And making a comparison with the below first shots, we tend to believe they were right one hundred percent.

The standard BMW i8 and the i8 Spyder are going to look alike, coming with rather the same body styling except of course for the folding metal roof, the one seen on the McLaren, with a sort of a targa-style, possible stored inside the car.

Also, recent rumors had it that it would have to do more with the i8 Vision Future Concept, revealed back in 2012, meaning full height door windows and a window placed between the rear buttresses.

Also, the new BMW i8 Spyder will also share the styling cues of the facelifted version of the future i8, which would be minor, yet would improve its exterior aspect and make it more aggressive and appealing.

As for the gadgetries inside, BMW will still keep the suite of high end features also seen on the current i8 and other luxury models, including the BMW`s latest iDrive system, new touchscreen and gesture functions and so on.

In the engine department, the BMW i8 and i8 Spyder will also come with a better battery pack and new power, squeezed from the same conventional 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and electric motor. We should be able to witness their official arrival on the market sometime in 2018.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i8 Spyder Caught in the Act appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Even if the German based carmaker announced the official debut of the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition and Protonic Frozen Yellow at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, next month, until then, we will have to settle for the BMW i8 Protonic Red, just presented at the ongoing Chicago Auto Show.

Seen in a couple of live photos below, the all-new BMW i8 Protonic Red is looking magnificent with the new body wrap, which highlights the car`s every single design line, making it altogether more aggressive and appealing.

As already mentioned in a previous article, this particular model will be available in a limited-run of just 100 units, and will soon be joined by the other aforementioned models. And usually, such special editions come with special and bespoke features at the exterior as well as inside.

These bespoke features refer mainly to the W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels finished in Orbit Grey Metallic with Aluminum Matte hubs, the entire set perfectly complementing the hybrid`s exclusive colour. But most of the changes are found inside.

The cabin of the BMW i8 Protonic Red features the “i8” badging on the front head restraints while the door sill strips are also embroidered with the “Protonic Red Edition” lettering. The seats are also highlighted by the double lap seams in red stitching.

Also, the center console and instrument panel are made from high-grade carbon fiber, the same composite being also highlighted on the pull handles inside the doors. The gear selector has been tweaked with black ceramic trim, while the seat belts are now grey-colored and perfectly blend in with the special floor mats with leather piping and red contrast stitching.

You can find out more about the BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition in the media gallery below, enjoy and don’t forget to share your opinions with us!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2017 Chicago Auto Show: Live Photos – BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition Kicks Off appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

With the hybrid segment fast advancing and with the wind from Tesla blowing in the face, BMW carmaker have to take matter into its own hands and add some improvements to the already old-fashioned i8.

Ever since its unveiling more than three years ago, the BMW i8 has been a real benchmark in the hybrid segment, but the German carmaker felt it was high-time for some major improvements.

Even if the carmaker has not officially confirmed the arrival of a facelifted i8, according to sources close to bmwblog auto magazine, the new version is set to arrive in spring, next year, with an upgraded drivetrain and some new figures in terms of performance.

Once arriving next year, the BMW i8 facelifted is set to use the same 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol burner along with a powerful electric motor. This time, the hybrid will develop 15 horsepower more than the current model.

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h would also be improved, the same report stating around 4.2 seconds, way to impressive than the current 4.4 seconds.

Also, the hybrid`s battery pack would also be revised, allowing a 50 percent more boost in the range. And given the fact that the new i8 will also serve as a safety car in Formula E, it would come with a much larger battery, in the shape of a 10.0 kWh configuration, which would replace the present 7.1 kWh battery pack.

And since we are at it, the BMW i8 will come as well with rather the same platform modifications, just like the Formula E safety car. This implies modified upper wishbones, mounting points, as well as updated spring and dampers, or new 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 and 285/30 front and rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Plans i8 Facelift Next Spring, Will Arrive with Upgraded Powertrain appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.