BMW i8 Concept Spyder: Dynamic Performance and Innovative Technology

After introducing the BMW i3 and i8 concepts, the German automaker added i8 Spyder, an open-top two-seater that defines contemporary mobility. The car is a creation of the young sub-brand BMWi whose goal is to develop cars that meet the needs of customers and redefine the understanding of personal mobility by adopting innovative technologies and smart design.

From the outside the car has super cool upward swiveling doors as well as an array of on-board equipment and finishes that only use high-tech and high-quality materials. the car differs from the i8 Spyder concept having a shorter wheelbase and having at topless roof among other changes. The i8 Sypder follows the characteristic “stream flow” lines that are now associated with “i” sub-brand with the German automaker’s grille and slim LED headlamps. Although, we don’t know the exact details of the roof mechanism, a single-piece removable panel in carbon fiber is likely.

On the inside, the i8 Spyder concept has a quality and comfortable interior that is part of one the key elements or goals of BMW, in which it tries its best to offer generous interior space. The inside as the outside features interlocking surfaces and lines with three different levels. There is an outer layer that supports the structural aspect of the interior while there the inner “comfort” layer that is part of the seating and stowage compartments, lastly, the third “technical” layers brings the instrument panel, steering wheel and other instruments together.  The entire cockpit is driver focused with all controls placed at the right position and designed to enrich driving experience with a 8.8 inch high-resolution display with all the vital road and car information. As far as materials are concerned, expect a mixture of plastic, carbon and leathers that generate a rich contrast betweent the natural off-white of the outer layer with the lively orange creating a quality of purity and strong emotional appeal.

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder combines a high performing electric motor and a petrol combustion engine into a plug-in hybrid that is powered by an eDrive drivetain. The car, having two drivetrains, a 131hp electric motor up front and the 223hp gasoline engine in the back make for a combined system output of up to 354 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The concept’s drivetrains combines the advantage of each to create a car with efficiency, capability and smoothness. Being able to go from 0-60 mph at 5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, the concept is both able to provide great performance while attaining low fuel consumption of 94 mpg with 19 straight miles on battery alone as well as minimal emissions. Furthermore, by having a 50:50 weight distribution, the well-balanced vehicle keeps the center of gravity as low as possible maximizing dynamic performance.

BMW showed the car at the 2012 New York auto show and hopes that in the next 2-3 years they will bring to production something that resembles this concept. There are rumors that the price of the car will be north  of $100,000. If BMW can unleash this green two-seater into the streets it will definitely become the king of hybrids with the fuel economy of a small car and the driving prowess of a sport’s vehicle.