Certified CenterThe Frankfurt Motor Show is less than a month away and generally these types of events call for eye-catching concept models. While we expect that our preferred brand will pull the curtain back on one or two prototypes, they also want to drop something big in front of the hometown crowd. So, they'll be debuting the all-new BMW i8 plug-in hybrid.
Despite the fact that this production model is premiering on European soil, the brass expects the biggest market for this coupe to be right here in the US. That suits our San Antonio, TX staff just fine as we can't wait to have the ecofriendly supercar sitting in our showroom.
Make no mistake, though; this isn't your ordinary hybrid. The i8 is equipped with a 228hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. That power plant is combined with a 129hp electric motor to yield a variety of driving options.
Stick to all electric and you can cover just over 20 miles and top out at 75mph. The midrange, comfort mode relies on the electric motor heavily until it falls below 20 percent capacity. Then the engine recharges it. In this mode the vehicle also achieved 95mpg in the European test cycle. Finally, if you're really craving that kick that new BMW models are known for, then switch it into sport mode to go from 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds.
Surely more stats will come out at the show. If you can't make it to Germany this year, then stay connected to the BMW of San Antonio blog and we'll hit you with all the details just as soon as we get them.