The BMW i8 in Protonic Blue was spotted once again in Germany, near Leipzig. The production-ready vehicle is going through its final testing stages before its market launch in March. The paintwork adorning the side body panels and front and rear ends of the BMW i8 can be specified in a choice of four colors, Crystal White, Ionic Silver, Sophisto Grey and Protonic Blue.
BMW i8 uses a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a turbocharged three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and BMW eDrive technology in the form of an electric drive system.
In the rear of the BMW i8, the B38 three-cylinder engine makes 231 hp and delivers its power solely to the rear wheels. At the front, an electric motor is installed, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery in the middle of the vehicle. The system performance drives up to 362 horsepower.
Along with many tech innovations in the space, the i8 will be offered with laser light technology.
In Germany, the BMW i8 starts at €126,000, while in the UK it will cost £ 99,125. The U.S. market will also get the BMW i8 in 2014 at a base price of $135,700.
Ian Robertson, Head of Sales and Marketing at BMW, said the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid
sports car due to be introduced in mid-2014 has sold out for its first year of availability. Robertson did not say how many the company will sell in that first year.
[Source: Bimmertoday]
