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Bmw unveiled today the i8 Concept Spyder, the open-top version of the i8 Concept, featuring windowless doors and a range of purpose-oriented on-board equipment such as an electric kickboards stowed under a transparent tailgate. The new hybrid convertible is powered by a 96 kW (131 hp) electric motor on the front axle that works in tandem with a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 164 kW (223 hp) through the rear wheels. The total output delivered by the Bmw i8 Concept Spyder 260 kW (354 hp) and peak torque of 550 Newton metres. With these numbers, the i8 Concept Spyder is able to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in five seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
Despite the performances of a sports car, the i8 Concept Spyder has a fuel consumption of just three litres of petrol per 100 kilometres (equivalent to fuel economy of 94 mpg imp) in the European test cycle. With its battery fully charged, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder can cover up to 30 kilometres (19 miles) on electric power alone. The car also features a lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power socket in less than two hours. In order to keep the car’s centre of gravity as low as possible the lithium-ion battery us located in the energy tunnel between the front and rear axle modules.
Comparing it with the i8 Coupe Concept, the Bmw i8 Spyder Concept features a slightly shorter wheelbase and overall length. The interior features a revised material and colour concept and just like the coupe, the vehicle is built around the innovative LifeDrive architecture, a fusion of independent functional units. As a result, the “carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) Life module gives the car an extremely lightweight passenger cell, while the Drive modules – made primarily from aluminium components – bring together all the car’s operational driving functions, such as the powertrain, chassis and safety structure.”
source:4wheelsnews
