BMW reveals new i8 Spyder concept

BMW i, the German carmaker’s new sub-brand that specialises in designing and showcasing futuristic vehicles, have officially revealed the i8 Spyder concept. This will join the team as the third vehicle, along with the likes of the i3 city car and the i8 coupe.

The Spyder, just like its coupe version, is a plug-in hybrid powered by a 131 hp high-performance electric motor in the front, which drives the front axle, and a mid-mounted turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 223 hp powering the rear wheels. Together, the duo is capable of producing an overall output of 354 hp and 550 Nm of torque.

On electricity alone, the i8 Spyder can travel about 30 Km, before the petrol engine has to intervene and recharge the batteries. They claim the system is good for achieving 3 litres/100 km consumption.

Another interesting feature is the car’s ability to switch between front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. But that very well depends on driver mood and more importantly, the existing electric juice. Like the coupe, the Spyder also features a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, which BMW claims to have achieved using lightweight materials like carbon-fibre and aluminium.

The car’s minimised weight and low centre of gravity further aids the car to top 250 kph (electronically limited) and also clock 0-100 kph run in a claimed 5 seconds.

Not everything is shared between the coupe and Spyder though. The newbie sports a slightly shorter wheelbase and different upward-swivelling, windowless doors. Strangely, the developers have also included a pair of electric scooters underneath a glass panel in the rear.

BMW have not yet officially announced a release date for the i-range. But it is very much evident that BMW is intending to enter the hybrid market soon, with the i3 and i8 concepts.