In the upper reaches of automotive performance, the hybrid sports car is becoming a real thing. Witness the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder, and McLaren P1. Those examples seem like efforts to maintain the relevance of high-end performance in an oil-starved world.
But BMW may just be cracking the code with its i8.
Unlike the competition, which tend toward evolutionary changes built from existing models, BMW designed the i8 as a wholly new car, constructed from the ground on up to exemplify performance and minimal fossil fuel consumption. And deviating from the i3 model, its sibling in BMW's new i brand, the i8 actually looks good.
Drivetrain Specifications
Gasoline Engine BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-Liter Three-Cylinder
Electric Motor Hybrid Synchronous Motor With Power
Total Output 362 Horsepower
Total Torque 420 Pound-Feet Transmission Six-Speed Automatic
Acceleration (0-60 Mph) 4.2 Sec., Est
Top Speed 155 MPH
Fuel Economy (MPGe) 95
Total Range 310 Miles (372 Miles W/ ECO PRO)
Electric Range 22 Miles
BMW i8's starting price is $135.925, including destination and handling fees. It will hit showroom in the spring of 2014 as a 2015 model year.
Read More : Cnet, Top Speed
