Thfire.com Everyday news that matters BMW AG revealed a convertible roadster version of its i8, a high-performance plug-in hybrid concept car. The new car, called the i8 Concept Spyder, is designed to perform like a sports car while logging better fuel economy than the typical small economy car.
BMW said the two-seater can travel 17 to 19 miles on battery power alone, which contributes to a fuel economy equivalent of about 78 miles per gallon. The combination of an electric motor and a turbocharged three-cylinder engine give the car a total of 354 horsepower – enough to accelerate to 62 mph in five seconds and reach an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.
BMW introduced its i sub-brand early last year and later unveiled its first two concept vehicles, the i3 city car and i8 sports car in Frankfurt, Germany. Since then the cars have made the rounds at numerous auto shows. BMW said the cars represent the direction its lineup will take in the near future. The i3 is to be released next year with the i8 to follow in 2014.
Some photos released of the i8 Spyder : (Click to zoom)
Pricing is likely to be in the region of £80,000.
