BMW unveils i8 Spyder

The BMW i8 Spyder.
The BMW i8 Spyder.

Like the i8 coupe model, the BMW i8 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid powered by a high-performance electric motor and petrol combustion engine. The lithium-ion battery supplying the motor with power can be recharged in a short period of time from a domestic power socket.

Compared with the i8 concept, the Spyder has a slightly shorter wheelbase and overall length. The car features upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a transparent glass panel at the rear.

BMW i8 Concept Spyder

Length/height/width: 448 cm/120.8 cm/192.2 cm

Wheelbase: 265 cm

Kerb weight: 1630 kg (EU) / 1555 kg (DIN)

Top speed: 50 km/h (155 mph) electr. governed

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 5 s, 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) 4 s

System output: 260 kW / 550 Nm

TwinPower turbo engine 164 kW / 300 Nm

Fuel consumption (EU cycle): 3 l/100km / 94 mpg imp

Electric range approx: 27-30 km (17-19 miles)

Battery charge time standard: 1.45 h for 100% charge

The sports car is based around the LifeDrive architecture used in the other models, combing the carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) Life module (a lightweight passenger cell) and the Drive module, made primarily from aluminium, which brings together all the car’s operational driving functions, such as the powertrain, chassis and safety structure.

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It uses 3 litres of petrol per 100 km (equivalent to fuel economy of 94 mpg imp) in the European test cycle.

With its battery fully charged, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder can cover up to 30 km (19 miles) on electric power alone.