BMW will launch the i8 hybrid sportscar in India by February 2015.
Powering the BMW i8 is a 1.5L, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol motor producing 231 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque. The petrol engine is coupled with an electric motor which belts out another 131 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. This gives the i8 a combined power output of 362 PS and 570 Nm. The i8 can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 4.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. The mid-engined i8 hybrid sportscar powers the rear wheels and in pure electric mode, it can run for 37 km at speeds of up to 120 kmph before the petrol motor comes into play.
Built largely out of carbon fibre to keep the weight low at just 1,490 kg, the most noticeable feature on the i8 will be the scissor doors. Brought to India via the CBU route, pricing is expected to be in the range of Rs. 2 crore, however, the looks and the environment friendly sportscar halo justify the price tag.
Features include scissor doors, LED & laser headlamp, LED tail lamps, 20″ alloy wheels, sharply styled front and rear bumpers, elongated kidney grille, sharkfin antenna, futuristic dashboard, 3-spoke steering wheel with contrast stitching, ceramic application on gearshift lever, ambient lighting, ‘i Blue’ accents on the brake callipers and much more.
The i8 measures 4,689mm in length, 1,942mm in width, 1,298mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,800mm.
Source – Zigwheels