BMW i8

BMW i8

Manufacturer	BMW
Also called	BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics
Production	Leipzig
Class	Sports car Grand Tourer
Body style	Coupé
Combustion engine	1.5 liter, 3 cylinder gasoline^[1]
Electric motor	96 kW (129 hp)^[1]
Battery	7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery^[2]
Electric Range	35 km (22 mi)
Length	4,600 mm (182 in)^[1]
Width	2,000 mm (77 in)^[1]
Height	1,300 mm (50 in)^[1]
Curb weight	1,500 kilograms (3,300 lb)

The BMW i8, first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, is a plug-in hybrid under development by BMW. The initial concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show,^[3] and the BMW i8 concept car destined for production was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.^[4] The i8 has a 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which delivers an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi).^[2]

Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics

Vision Efficient Dynamics concept vehicle unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine.^[3] Additionally, there are two electric motors with 139 horsepower. It allows an acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (160 mph).^[5]
According to BMW, the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, (75.1 mpg imp), and has a carbon dioxide emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer (1,3 l/100km and 33g CO2/km ; EU-PHEV ECE-R101). The estimated all-electric range is 50 km (31 mi), and the 24-litre diesel tank extends the total vehicle range to up to 700 km (430 mi).^[5] The lightweight chassis is made mainly from aluminium. The windshield, top, doors and fenders are made from polycarbonate glass, with the body having a drag coefficient of 0.22.^[8]

Pre-production version

The BMW i8 concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show has a 7.2 kWh (26 MJ) lithium-ion battery pack that allows an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi). Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (160 mph) and is expected to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 4.6 seconds. Under normal driving conditions the i8 is expected to deliver 80 mpg_-US (2.9 L/100 km; 96 mpg_-imp) under the European cycle. A full charge of the battery will take less than 2 hours using 220V.^[2]^[4]
The i8 combines the electric drive system of the BMW i3, with a 96 kW (129 hp) electric motor located in the front axle powering the front wheels and at the rear is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 164 kW (220 hp) and 300 N·m (220 lbf·ft) of torque. The result is a combined output of 260 kW (349 hp). All four wheels provide regenerative braking. The location of the battery pack in the energy tunnel gives the vehicle a low centre of gravity, enhancing its dynamics. Together with the positioning of the motor and engine over the axles, the result is an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.^[1]^[2]