How would you like to own a genuine mid-engine hybrid supercar for less than £60,000 ($78,000)? Well, that might be possible either now or in the near future. Apparently, realy model year BMW i8s are plummeting in value quite a bit at the moment, causing the i8 to be, dare I say affordable?
If you aren’t familiar, the BMW i8 is a mid-engine supercar, whose passenger cell is made entirely from carbon fiber, and sports a hybrid powertrain. More specifically, it gets a 1.5 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor to power the rear wheels. It also gets an electric motor at the front axle to power the front wheels, giving it real-time torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. So its powertrain is as interesting as its carbon construction.
Total power output is 354 hp and, as far as performance goes, the BMW i8 is capable of 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds flat. While that isn’t blistering by modern day standards, it’s far quick enough to be fun. It also handles quite well, thanks to its lightweight construction and sporty suspension. It’s a very unique feeling BMW but one that still feels like a proper sports car.
However, none of that is as exciting as it looks. The BMW i8 looks like absolutely nothing else on the road. While it’s not as fast as most supercars, it’s better looking than most. It looks like something from the future, something more fitting in Blade Runner than modern day society. Those incredible looks, combined with its exotic construction make the BMW i8 something more exciting and more special than anything under six-figures.
Sot the fact that you can actually buy one for less than six-figures makes it an absolute steal. There’s obviously some questions as to how reliable such a car will be in the long run and if buying one second-hand will be a good idea. However, it’s certainly a tempting car for the price, though, as it will offer an exotic supercar for the price of a well-equipped 5 Series.
[Source: CarThrottle]
