Since the unveiling of the i8 Spyder concept design back in the middle of 2012, car fanatic's senses have been tingling with excitement ever since. With a beautiful design and even more stunning features, we look into why the i8 is proving to be one of the most hotly anticipated models and just what makes it 'the car' everyone is still talking about.
As BMW would like to call it, this car is an innovation in the supercar manufacturing world. With intelligence built in, an emphasis on efficiency and environmental awareness - this car packs in all the perks and performance gems of a sport yet the consumption matches that of an everyday city cruiser.
Of course, the two-seater, doesn't stop at looks - which it doesn’t fall short on either. At 0-60 mph in just short of 5 seconds and 155 mph achievable speed, this car is the beast of the hybrid car jungle. Not to mention it can do a 20 mile journey on the electric battery alone - not great for any substantial journeys but a welcome addition to cut down fuel consumption nonetheless.
With many high end car makers jumping on the supercar concept bandwagon, we expect to see the market emerging with many choices pretty soon. After all these aren't technically new cars. They’ve all be in development for many years now - they're just finally getting to a point where it is viable to roll them out onto the (albeit very small) market.
With a super clever plug in hybrid drivetrain, a 170 hp electric powered motor set on the front wheel axle, and a whopping 223 hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder one at the back this car will pack an almighty punch. The price is expected to sit at around the $100,000 mark - ouch.
There has been a massive emphasis places onto the materials used in the production of the i8, as well as the distribution of the weight. Perfectly set at 50/50, this will make sure that this car takes its place with Spartans of the engine form.
Whilst for many of us this is simply a piece of very well crafted eye-candy, there are an estimated 10,000 customers who can get their mits onto one of these within the first year. Rolling out in 2014, all going to plan, we will be eagerly stood salivating in the hope one of the 10,000 drives past.
