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9th
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BMW will unveil the production version of its new i8 plug-in hybrid at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, the German automaker announced while giving no pricing indications.
Larger than the recently introduced BMW i3, this new model is made of aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, and weighs a mere 1,490 kg (3,285 lbs). A 231-hp, 1.5L three-cylinder engine combines with a 131-hp electric motor to propel the BMW i8 from 0-96 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is comparable to a Tesla Model S. The gasoline engine drives the front wheel, and the electric motor takes care of the rear wheels, essentially forming an all-wheel drive setup.
The BMW i8 will apparently charge in about 3.5 hours from a 120V outlet or just 1.5 hour from a 240V Level 2 charger. DC fast charging at 440V has yet to be confirmed, but it could allow the i8's battery to get back to 80% in 20 minutes or less.
In pure EV mode, the BMW i8 will offer a range of about 35 km and a top speed of 120 km/h. With both sources of power engaged, it will top out at 250 km/h. Calculated using the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the average fuel efficiency of the BMW i8 at model launch will be less than 2.5L/100km, the company claims.
Source : thedetroitbureau.com
Larger than the recently introduced BMW i3, this new model is made of aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, and weighs a mere 1,490 kg (3,285 lbs). A 231-hp, 1.5L three-cylinder engine combines with a 131-hp electric motor to propel the BMW i8 from 0-96 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is comparable to a Tesla Model S. The gasoline engine drives the front wheel, and the electric motor takes care of the rear wheels, essentially forming an all-wheel drive setup.
The BMW i8 will apparently charge in about 3.5 hours from a 120V outlet or just 1.5 hour from a 240V Level 2 charger. DC fast charging at 440V has yet to be confirmed, but it could allow the i8's battery to get back to 80% in 20 minutes or less.
In pure EV mode, the BMW i8 will offer a range of about 35 km and a top speed of 120 km/h. With both sources of power engaged, it will top out at 250 km/h. Calculated using the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the average fuel efficiency of the BMW i8 at model launch will be less than 2.5L/100km, the company claims.
Source : thedetroitbureau.com
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| Photo: BMW |