BMW i8 electric supercar debuts at 2013 frankfurt motor show

BMW i8 electric supercar debuts at 2013 frankfurt motor show
all images courtesy BMW group

 

 

BMW group has unveiled the production version of their first purely electrically powered super car, the ‘BMW i8’, at the international motor show (IAA) 2013 in frankfurt. the plug-in hybrid combines the dynamic capabilities of a super car with fuel consumption and emissions you would normally expect from a small city car. featuring a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and a turbocharged three-cylinder BMW twinpower turbo hybrid system, the high-performance EV develops 231 horsepower from its 1.5 liter combustion engine that drives the rear wheels, while a separate 131 horsepower electric drive sends its power to the front wheels and allows an all-electric range of up to 35 kilometres and a top speed of 120 km/h. the high-performance electric car can fully recharge in 1.5 hours from a 220-volt level 2 charger, and boasts up to 94 mpg in combined fuel efficiency. the motor derives its energy from a lithium-ion battery centrally mounted in the vehicle — which creates a low center of gravity for even more efficiency. it also works to provide an additional power boost to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration.

 

 

the plug-in hybrid combines the capabilities of a super car with fuel consumption similar to a small city car

 

 

the BMW i8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds and gets 94 miles to the gallon

 

 

the i8 features a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP)

 

 

a turbocharged three-cylinder BMW twinpower turbo hybrid system develops 231 horsepower

 

 

a separate 131 horsepower electric drive sends its power to the front wheels for an all-electric range of up to 35 km

 

 

the EV can fully recharge in 1.5 hours from a 220-volt level 2 charger

 

 

the scissor doors of the BMW i8 provide an undeniable emotional and sporty allure

 

 

the design of the i8 incorporates a long wheelbase, short overhangs, precise lines and sweeping silhouette

 

 

the BMW i8 on the track
video courtesy BMW group

 

 

the BMW i8 keeps its focus on the driver, angling the modern lines of the center console towards the left side

 

 

the sporty feel of the exterior seamlessly carries over into the interior of the vehicle

 

 

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