EV-Motoring

World’s First Look: BMW iBrand i3 and i8 Concepts

BMW i8 Concept
In the i8 Concept the modified electric motor of the i3 is placed on the front axle. It delivers with 96 kW /129 hp less power, but the same amount of torque (184 lb.ft).

It is combined with a BMWs own newly developed 1.5-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharger, good for 164 kW/220 hp and 221 lb.ft of torque on the rear axle. The combination generates a total power of 260 hp and 406 lb.ft of maximum torque.It provides sports car performance, but with the fuel consumption of a small car. With both system working simultaneously, the i8 has in fact four-wheel drive. The Concept has a top speed of 115 mph, sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and accelerates from 50-75 mp in 4.6 s. Fuel consumption is approx. 94 mpg in the European cycle (2.7 l/100 km) with a CO2 emission of 66 g/km. Thanks to the lithium-ion battery, that can be fully charged in two hours
via a house hold socket, the sports car can drive in electric mode only for some 22 miles.

BMW uses mainly plastic that is reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP). The material is very light, adding to a lower energy consumption and thus extending the range.

It is also used for the LifeDrive architecture of both cars. In the i8 that has been modified to accomplish a sporty character. The electric engine up front is connected by a so-called energy tunnel with the combustion engine in the rear, also providing an ideal 50/50 weight distribution.

The interior is light and roomy, also thanks to the Life module and is executed with raw materials that are visible in the instrument panel and the door panels. The overall feeling is that of a modern environfriendly car indeed.

Article source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2011/07/29/001413-first-look-bmw-i3-and-i8-bmw-i-sub-brand.html

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  • http://www.autoweb.co.uk/used/bmw/cars Harold Meaker

    It’s encouraging to see BMW showcasing its test vehicles but it’s got a way to go to catch up with some of the other manufacturers. I hope they have a serious wish to be contenders in the EV technology race as opposed to be seen to be doing something for the publicity sake of it!