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BMW i8 Coupe

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general

The i8 receives drive to all 4 wheels, the rear driven by the

turbo-charged petrol engine, the front wheels by electric

motor. Annual global production is expected to be 3,000

units with about 400 destined for the UK.

A CARBON FIBRE AND ALUMINIUM BODIED PLUG-IN HYBRID 4 SEAT COUPE FROM BMW.

AEB Fitment - Optional

BMW i8 Coupe

Structure : As with the i3, the carbon fibre material is produced in partnership with SGL Automotive at Moses Lake in the USA. In keeping with the i3, the i8 also employs two modules: the Life module occupant compartment made up of CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) for a lightweight strong structure, with a Drive module that comprises an aluminium chassis with the high voltage lithium-ion battery in the centre tunnel, the electric drive motor at the front and the petrol powertrain at the rear. This design allows for a 50:50 weight distribution.

The door panels are of CFRP and thermoplastic with an aluminium frame, making them 50% lighter than a conventional structure.

The rear partition glass is constructed of 2 layers of 0.7mm thick chemically hardened glass with an acoustic sheet sandwich layer to improve NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) properties and to reduce weight over a conventional screen.

The i8 makes use of recycled plastics as part of a sustainable strategy in its design. It also utilises aluminium screws and bolts to reduce weight by 45% over steel fasteners.

Body length is 4,689mm, width is 1,942mm, and height is 1,293mm, with a wheelbase of 2,800mm.

(More to follow in Thatcham1st update)

Technology : Adaptive LED headlamps are standard fit. These feature a U-shaped light pattern. Late in 2014, the i8 will have the option of laser diode headlamps, giving increased light beam range and proportionately lower energy consumption. These can be identified by a second U-shaped light pattern and are expected to use half the energy of LED headlamps.

The i8 has a camera based AEB system available in the Driving Assistant package (£1,490). This features pedestrian and cyclist recognition with auto-brake during daylight hours. This package also includes Lane Departure Warning.

The i8 features a high-resolution display that utilises Nvidia processing chipset technology to enable an improved display and range of applications.

A Head-Up- Display (HUD) is a standard feature.

Trim levels & options : 20” “turbine” wheels are standard fit, with 2 alternative styles available as a cost option. Tyre size is 195/50 R20 for the front, 215/45 R20 for the rear.

The i8 is available with 3 interior designs: Neso, Carpo and Halo.

Neso : features a contrasting interior design featuring recycled materials, with Carum Grey leather with cloth accent panels. This is the standard design.

Carpo : features a full leather interior in Ivory White or Amido Black, with Black leather for the instrument panel and door interior trim panels. (Option price £1,150).

Halo :features an Olive leather interior with cloth inserts. The design features light and dark contrasts with finishing in Amido Black metallic. (Option price £2,150).

The Pure Impulse Design Package (£12,200) includes the alternative 470 style 20” alloy wheel, any of the interior designs, driving assistant with surround view, the Harman/Kardon speaker system and also features a range of special exclusive offers and services for BMWi VIP customers such as invites to events.

The Driving Assistant package with surround view is usually £1,490.

The Harman/Kardon speaker system is £895.

BMW offer a FlexiMile insurance package (limited to 5,000 annual miles) underwritten by Allianz.

BMW i8 Coupe

BMW i8 Coupe

Paint colours: Ionic Silver with Blue accents (£450 option)Protonic Blue with Frozen Grey accents (£450 option)Crystal White pearl with accents in Blue or Frozen Grey (£1,350 option)Sophisto Grey with accents in Blue or Frozen Grey (standard colours)

Powertrains :The turbo-charged 3-cylinder 12-valve 1499cc engine is built in the UK (at Hams Hall, Birmingham) and produces 231bhp and 320Nm of torque. This is fuelled from a 30 litre fuel tank and drive is through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The engine is supplemented by a 96kW electric motor that can produce 320Nm from rest, with energy from a 5.0kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack.

The electric motor can recharge the battery on overrun, as can the engine starter motor/generator. In Eco-Pro mode the energy management electronics can recuperate energy from braking, or will disengage the powertrain for a ‘coasting’ function. Eco-Pro will also restrict functions such as the air-conditioning, heated seats and heated door mirrors to minimal power consumption.

Combined output is 357bhp with speed electronically restricted to 155mph. The i8 can be driven in pure-electric mode at up to 75mph, or for up to 22 miles.

Drive power is split 50:50 between the front and rear axles, but upon cornering this is altered to a bias toward the rear wheels for better cornering dynamics. The suspension itself features double wishbone for the front axle and a five-link rear axle, with electronically controlled dampers as part of the Dynamic Damper Control system.

Dynamic Stability Control is standard, including ABS, Cornering Brake Control, Brake Assist and brake Drying functions. Dynamic Traction control can be selected by a driver-operated control switch.