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BMW i8

The i8 is the flagship of BMW™s burgeoning eco-friendly i sub-brand. Offered exclusively as a coupe, the i8 uses an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain to provide an exhilarating driving experience while returning better fuel economy than even the tiniest economy cars sold on these shores.

The central part of the i8 is a new architecture called LifeDrive that was inaugurated by the all-electric i3 city car. Crafted out of aluminum, the Drive module includes the gas-burning engine, the electric motor, the lithium-ion battery pack and all of the car’s electronic components. The Life module is built out of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and mainly consists of the 2+2 passenger compartment.

Thanks to the LifeDrive architecture, the i8 tips the scale at a claimed 3,285 pounds and boasts a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, front- and mid-motor, front/4-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve 1.5-liter inline-3, 228 hp, 236 lb-ft (includes integral electric motor contribution); AC permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor, 129 hp, 184 lb-ft; total system output, 357 hp, 420 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: F: 2-speed automatic; R: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 110.2 in
Length: 184.6 in
Width: 76.5 in Height: 50.9 in
Curb weight: 3360 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 3.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.6 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 26.0 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 4.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.4 sec @ 113 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph

FUEL ECONOMY:
C/D observed: 24 mpg

TEST NOTES: Launch control trims several tenths from the zero-to-60 time. In eDrive mode, acceleration to 60 takes 9.5 seconds and speed is limited to 75 mph.

Price: $136,625 (base price: $136,625)

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