BMW Drops Top on i8 with Spyder Concept

BMW Drops Top on i8 with Spyder Concept - BMW has already shown what appear to be near the production versions of its upcoming i3 and i8 electrified models, and we have even seen a number of mules to the test. BMW but is now to add a third variant of the mix. Behold, the i8 Spyder Concept.

Although obviously similar to the coupe, there are some important differences with its fixed roof sibling. Whereas a 2 +2 coupe, the Spyder is strictly a two seater, with a slightly shorter wheelbase and overall length.

But the basic driveline package carries over from the coupe. Namely, a plug-in hybrid engine with a lithium-ion battery, front and rear electric motors, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Combined system power is a claimed 354 hp and about 406 lb-ft of torque, making the Spyder estimated 0-60 time of under five seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Despite these formidable performance, fuel economy is estimated at 3 liters per 100 km (78 mpg U.S.). Because all four wheels are driven, the i8 Spyder the actuator controls the power by means of the front, rear or all four wheels at the same time, depending on the circumstances.

BMW Drops Top on i8 with Spyder Concept

BMW claims that the battery can be fully recharged in just two hours with a standard household plug-in socket. However, remember that most of Europe is working on a standard 220v, while the U.S. and North America working on a standard 110 V, so figure roughly a doubling of the charge time for a standard electrical outlet on this side of the Atlantic . If the i-series cars to the U.S., a higher voltage quick-charge option (probably using the SAE J1772 standard) will be offered.

Efficiency is obviously a key design principle with the i-series cars, and the i8 Spyder makes extensive use of lightweight materials in construction. The car's "Life Module" is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, while the powertrain modules are made of aluminum. Running through the middle of the chassis and the cab is what BMW is the "energy-tunnel" which is essentially the case for the lithium-ion battery to call.

As expected in an advanced technology, efficiency-oriented car, the dashboard is configurable to a wide range of display information through a 8.8-inch screen center. And, the right one for our increasingly connected older, integrated mobile apps help drivers find the vehicle, get updates on the charging status, and the Last Mile navigation function, provide guidance for the final destination on foot, but also served by public transport through the Intermodal Route Planning function. The smart navigation system also includes information such as congestion and elevation to proactively optimize the drivetrain mode for maximum efficiency.

But for all the emphasis on technique and efficiency, BMW has found room for some whimsical flight of fancy. Tucked in the rear, electric shock panels (think Razor scooters) for "relaxed cruising along the boardwalks and paths and squares around."

How many of these features will go into production? It's all a mystery. But many of them are not so far fetched. We get the designer scooters as part of the deal? Well, there are those pesky NHTSA crash standards to address so they can be moved to another warehouse, but yes, it could happen. Anyway, as the future means 78-mpg, 5-second 0-60 fun, we're all for.