We all have our dream rides – for the environmentally-conscious, it’s probably a Tesla. But BMW’s i8 Concept Spyder, a sweet hybrid that promises to be as good to the environment as it is obscenely sexy to the eyes, is something that we hope will transcend the “concept car” stage to enter real production (or if not, at least send one around to our offices for a sample ride). The i8 Concept Spyder is a sportier rendition of the i8 Coupe, amalgamating the two dream ends of the car spectrum: hybrid gas consumption combined with the power of a racing automobile.
The i8 Concept Spyder sips petrol at 78mpg – about 33km per litre – and tosses out 354 horsepower with ease, which translates to an acceleration from rest to 100km/h in about five seconds or so. The electric motor generates instant-on torque to 550 Nm. If running empty on gas, the Spyder still floats about 19 miles on the battery alone before it fades.
The Bavarian automobile maker has included tons of work on this concept car. While the electric motor powers the front wheels and the gasoline the back, a coupling alternator helps to deliver some power to the front as well, and the vehicle incorporates regenerative braking as well as coasting regeneration to keep the battery bustling with energy. There’s also a fully electronically controlled dynamics system to help reduce consumption, and a slew of other nifty functions such as a traffic assistant, parking and collision warning system as well as 3D displays inside the vehicle for information.
Watch the video here.
