With BMW confirming a 2018 debut of the topless
version of the i8, Carscoops spies got the chance to shoot
a late prototype from a close distance.
The new design
features of the upcoming i8 Spyder can be seen almost clearly, with the car
getting a set of buttresses behind the seats along with a new rear panel that
retains some of the aerodynamic wizardry first seen on the fixed-rood i8.
The new BMW i8 Spyder is
expected to feature the same updates with the upcoming facelifted i8 Coupe,
meaning a slight bump in the power output of the pug-in hybrid powertrain from
the current 362 hp to around 380 hp and a bigger battery pack that will increase
significantly the i8’s all-electric range.
The chassis is also going to be updated with revised
suspensions settings while the interior will receive new trims and materials,
along with the company’s latest infotainment system and new additions to the
driver assistance systems’ range.
There is still a question whether the new BMW i8
Spyder will keep the butterfly doors of the Coupe or not, but given the i8’s
carbon tub, we predict that the impressive door mechanism will remain.
BMW has already announced a 2018 launch for the i8
Spyder, which should mean that we could expect a full reveal towards the end of
the year.
