The first, original generation BMW I8 appeared before the world public at the autumn 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show, and the first concept was presented back in 2009. Despite the fact that six years have passed since the debut, the model still looks rather unusual and not has lost its status of "car of tomorrow". Among other things, the manufacturer decided not to rely on fate and carried out an update, which resulted in the first planned and rather extensive restyling. The car received a completely new alternative body type, which had not been presented before, an upgraded power plant, a more capacious battery, a redesigned interior with new seats, and an expanded list of equipment. Among other things, the models in the new body will be offered an exclusive First Edition equipment. It features matte black interior accents and unique 20-inch Radial Spoke wheels. BMW Ay 8 is a hybrid sports car. Previously, it was offered exclusively in a coupe body, and after restyling, a roadster also became available. The closed version has four seats according to the 2 + 2 formula (only small passengers can comfortably sit behind), and the open version can only take on board the driver and one passenger. The model is 4689 mm long, 1942 mm wide, 1293 mm for the coupe and 1291 mm for the roadster, as well as 2800 mm between the wheelsets. Ground clearance is expectedly low. For the sake of lowering the center of gravity and increasing stability, it is only 117 millimeters. The car is based on two designs with a poetic name. The first is the Drive chassis, which consists of two subframes connected by a rigid battery storage that acts as a power backbone. The suspension is quite common - two wishbones in the front and a multi-link design in the rear, all of our own design. Above this structure is covered by the Drive cockpit, made using carbon fiber composites. The BMW I8 is equipped with a hybrid powertrain. It is based on a modest 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. It wears the B38 index and debuted on Mini models. Unlike the basic version, it received a more modest turbocharger without the Twin scroll system. As a result, it develops 231 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 320 Nm of torque starting from 3700 crankshaft rpm. It mates with a six-speed Aisin hydromechanical automatic and drives the rear wheels. A synchronous electric motor with a two-stage gearbox is installed at the front. Its output was slightly increased, as a result of which, the peak total power of such a tandem increased from 362 to 374 horsepower. The battery capacity has also increased. From now on, solely on electric traction, the coupe will be able to cover up to 55 kilometers, and the roadster up to 53. As for the dynamics, depending on the body type, the car will be able to accelerate from zero to the first hundred in just 4.4-4.6 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited at around 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is strikingly low - only 1.9-2.1 liters per hundred in the combined cycle. The BMW I8 belongs to the premium segment and is equipped by default with everything you need for a safe journey with increased comfort. The car boasts a full range of airbags, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable seats and Spheric perforated leather trim. Of the more exclusive options, it is worth noting laser headlights with a range of up to 600 meters and an advanced driving assistance system.
