BMW India has launch the futuristic, hybrid sports car, the i8 in the country at a price of INR 2.29 Crores. Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar graced the event with his presence.
The “i” project has been setup by the Bavarian manufacturer to explore sustainable mobility solutions by offering visionary vehicles like the i3 city car and the i8 sports car. BMW also likes to call the i8 the most progressive sports car of its time and a new movement in premium mobility.
The BMW i8 marks a new era for sports cars, with its otherworldly looks and futuristic hybrid drive-train, powered by two engines – a 131 bhp electric motor clubbed with a BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol putting out 232 bhp. Together, the two units deliver a total of 362 hp, endowing the i8 to dash from naught to 100 kph in just 4.4 seconds. On battery power alone, the i8 can achieve top speed of 120 km/h with a maximum range of 35 kilometres. The combination of battery powered engine with the petrol engine can take the e-powered supercar to up to 250 kph. Oh, and the advantage of all the tech – 47 kmpl!
The engine is coupled with a small electric motor that works as a starter, charges the batteries on deceleration and generates boost to the internal combustion engine at full throttle. The two power units work together and are controlled by an electronic unit that uses appropriately each one according to the driving needs, while charging the batteries. There are three more driving modes available with each one giving a distinct personality to the car. In the basic Comfort mode, the car is a pure hybrid machine, combining electric and combustion power. In Sport mode, the combustion engine and the electric motor unleash their driving torque with maximum dynamics, the accelerator’s characteristic line is programmed to react spontaneously, and the driver enjoys the full impact of the electric motor’s boost function. This mode also includes manual gear selection – via the gearshift or paddles on the steering wheel. Eco Pro mode is more directed towards saving the planet by choosing predominantly electric power while minimizing power loss on A/C.
A BMW i3 also graced the event
Designed by French designer Benoit Jacob, the i8 is a splendid study on aerodynamics and futurism. It is the first car in the world featuring laser lights that are 30% more powerful than LED lights. Drag coefficient is only 0.26, an impressive value for a sports car. BMW designers worked hard to get there making some courageous choices in order to simulate the perfect aerodynamic shape produced by nature: a drop of water. They created a sculptured; three dimensional rear end to let the air dance nicely on the back. Thanks to this and to all the external features the car is a real head turner on the road.
The car is based on a state of the art platform. The passenger cabin – that BMW calls Life Module – is made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics and is bolted to an aluminum frame (Drive Module) that supports the engine, the suspension and the lithium-ion battery pack accommodated where the central transmission tunnel should be. As a result, kerb weight is only 1485 kg, distributed ideally (49-51% front-rear), just like in any other BMW.
Stay tuned for better pictures and more information on the BMW i8
Technical Specifications
| Engine | 3 cylinder turbo Twin Power, direct injection, 1499 cc (rear), electric motor (front) |
| Power | 362bhpcombined power – 231 [email protected] rpm (petrol engine) + 131 [email protected] rpm (electric) |
| Torque | 320 Nm@3700 rpm, 250 Nm@0 rpm |
| Gearbox | Automatic, double clutch 6 speed |
| Top speed | 250kmh (e-controlled), 120 kmh (eDrive mode) |
| 0-100 kmh | 4,4sec |
| Average consumption | 47 kmpl |
| CO2 emissions | 49gr/km |
| Weight | 1485kg |
| Length/width/height | 4689/1942/1293mm |
| Luggage | 154litres |