BMW i8 leaked photos emerge on the interwebs. With a week before its public debut in Frankfurt, the BMW i8 hybrid sportscar is being shown in its fully glory.
The two photos below shows the sports hybrid with a side view and open door while the other image shows the interior of the production car.
Like the BMW i3, the i8 designers are showing the car with a bi-color paint job, which is composed of a blueish-silver and black elements. The car sits on 20 inch wheels.
The interior is dominated by two large displays, one of the displays is used directly behind the wheel for the indication of engine speed, speed, and other information relevant to the driving. The second display sits in the center of the dashboard and is used for the infotainment functions. Clearly visible are also the automatic transmission gear selector, and the buttons for suspension setup as well as the iDrive controller.
FIRST DRIVE: BMW i8
BMW i8 hybrid is powered by the B38 1.5 liter three-cylinder petrol engine aided by two electric motors. The little but potent combustion engine is transversely mounted behind the cabin and delivers 228 horsepower and 236 lb ft-of torque. That’s 152 hp per liter, an impressive figure by any standards. BMW engineers confirmed that there is room for a bit more power, but the current level delivers the best efficiency.
At the front, but closer to the wheels, BMW placed an electric motor developing 129 horsepower and 184 lb ft-of torque. This is the same electric motor as in the BMW i3 but with less power (170 hp in the BMW i3). All these add up to a combined 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
