BMW
i8 Spyder
BMW
chairman Harald Kruger told the publication that a Spyder variant of the i8
will be unveiled in the not too distant future. While he didn't provide
specifics about just when the car will be launched, a global debut in 2016
seems possible, although it isn't yet confirmed.
Given
the mid-engined layout of the i8 and its limited space, it could use a folding
softtop rather than an aluminum or carbon fibre top. Whatever the case may be,
the prominent buttresses that featured on the i8 Spyder Concept could make an
appearance on the production model.
Beneath
the skin, everything should remain the same, although the chassis could receive
additional strengthening to counter any loss of rigidity. As for the
powertrain, the i8 Spyder will use the coupe's 1.5-litre turbocharged
three-cylinder engine combined with a synchronous electric motor and a
lithium-ion battery pack that produce a combined output of 362 hp for a 0-100
km/h acceleration in 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy should remain the
same, meaning a return of just 2.1 L/100 km of travel.
