While this is not be indicative
of anything as far as Mzansi is
concerned, it may be worth noting that BMW
has priced its new i8 super hybrid
in the United States. Basic trim is
going to cost US$135 700, which is about
R1.4 million over here. However, should we believe that this starting price
is possible here too, then we can certainly dream of a likely final launch price.
Taking into account all sorts of import duties, other government taxes and margins, we reckon that a
starting price of R1.95 million would
not be too bad for our local i8. Then again, this being a sort of halo, highly technologically-advanced sports car, BMW would probably want to put
a nice premium on it and price it just above the R2 million mark. Who knows.
What we do know is that the i8 is powered by a pair made up
of a 1.5-litre petrol turbo engine
displacing three cylinders and developing 170kW
and 320Nm of torque. The other
partner is an electric motor accompanied by a liquid-cooled 5kWh lithium-ion battery pack making 96kW and 250Nm. All in all we are looking at a system output of 266kW and 570Nm of torque.
BMW says it can sprint from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250km/h. Amazingly they are quoting 2.5
litres per 100km for average fuel consumption, with the i8 able to travel distances
of up to 35km on electricity alone (that
is with the petrol engine switched off).
The BMW i8 is scheduled to begin sales in South Africa in 2015, months after the
smaller, more practical i3 all-electric
car.
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