Development work continues on the BMW i8 as our spies have caught the model undergoing cold weather testing.
Heavily influenced by the concept that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the production model retains the stylish exterior but adopts a revised hood and new doors.
The car is expected to feature a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that develops 220 HP (162 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. It will likely be backed up by an electric motor that churns out 131 HP (96 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. This setup enabled the concept to have a combined output of 353 HP (260 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque which allowed the car to run from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). In terms of efficiency, the concept consumed 2.7 L/100 km (87.1 mpg US / 104.6 mpg UK), had CO2 emissions of 66 g/CO2 and could travel up to 35 km (20 miles) on electricity alone.
The 2014 BMW i8 will likely be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and cost approximately €150,000 ($200,565).
via WORLDCARFANS
