BMW I8 CONCEPT SPYDER REVEALED

BMW officially unveiled the i8 Concept Spyder, a car obviously based on the i8 Coupe. The i8 is almost certain to arrive in South Africa in 2015 or 2016, so there’s also a chance the production version of the Spyder will make it too. Cross thumbs.

Featuring a plug-in hybrid drivetrain made of a petrol engine and an electric motor, the i8 Spyder will be one of the most interesting sports cars on the market when it comes out. Remember that plug-ins can be charged from a normal household electric socket, as well as by its petrol engine while it drives.

This one is good for a total system output of 260kW, as well as 550Nm of torque. All four wheels benefit from the power and torque, with either only the front (horrors for BMW fanatics!), rear or all fours pulling at any one time, depending on the prevailing driving situation. BMW says the car can accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 5 seconds, achieving a top end of 250km/h. An amazing average fuel consumption of 3 litres per 100km is claimed.

A raft of new technologies can be expected, such as something called CarFinder which will help access some of the car’s remote functions via cell phone, or Intermodal Route Planning which finds parking for you at your destination. In addition, all instrumentation is displayed in 3D.