BMW i8 Spied In Cold Weather Testing (with VIDEOS) - M5POST

Jason · 03-08-2011, 10:34 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW i8 Spied In Cold Weather Testing (with VIDEOS)

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Here are the first spyshots and videos of the BMW i8, flagship of the new BMW i sub-brand, conducting cold weather testing. According to Scott26, it's undergoing drivetrain testing and some details on the car seen here will still be subject to change.

The i8 was previously intended to be powered by a 161-horsepower 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo DIESEL engine mated with a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle (80HP) and full electric motor on the rear axle (51HP), to give a combined 292HP. But, according to R&D chief Klaus Draeger, the diesel motor will now be replaced by a traditional gasoline engine in order to appeal to the widest potential sales market.

Sales and price targets for the i8 are yet undetermined. According to Ian Robertson, BMW’s global sales and marketing boss, "Our sales will strongly depend on legislation. Not only by big markets like the U.S. or China, but by local city authorities and their terms of taxation," Robertson said. "If a city like Amsterdam or London decides that you get a tax reduction, then sales will boost."

The Vision Efficient Dynamics concept on which the i8 is based will be featured in the upcoming Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol (where it's been spied on set), and two other projects.

VIDEOS

PHOTOS

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EuroCarsOnline · 03-08-2011, 10:42 AM

Could be my next lease. Looks promising!

Impervious · 03-08-2011, 10:50 AM

I want one so bad.

SamS · 03-08-2011, 11:12 AM

Talk about looking "from the future", this car has it!

It's one thing to show it as a concept, or static, but when it's doing actual testing, it makes me think I'll see one on the streets in a few years. WOW!

shenglin · 03-08-2011, 11:41 AM

The car's going to look so great in white. I suppose that this car will only be available in Singapore after 5 years or more. =(

lasovan · 03-08-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamS

Talk about looking "from the future", this car has it!

It's one thing to show it as a concept, or static, but when it's doing actual testing, it makes me think I'll see one on the streets in a few years. WOW!

+1

cgaffney004 · 03-08-2011, 11:52 AM

Whatever they did over the rear wheels looks terrible. Front looks great... rear end is a fail IMO.

psre08 · 03-08-2011, 12:05 PM

I just can't believe they're coming out with something so futuristic. Amazing. Good job BMW.

-=Hot|Ice=- · 03-08-2011, 12:11 PM

Lose the wheels and the retarded looking side mirrors. Why can't they be on the door like every other normal car. This isn't the Pagani Hahahaha.

kyleb350 · 03-08-2011, 12:21 PM

Gas engine, hmm. Hope they go with the N20 + Hybrid. 240hp + 131hp

vincmo · 03-08-2011, 01:14 PM

Now that's what I'm talking about! Too bad it will be too expensive for most of us...and the i3 will look like crap!

Malbolge · 03-08-2011, 01:21 PM

is Audi, Merc, whoever sitting and thinking... "wtf, they're actually doing it?!". And I'm glad they are, a pair of i cars woudl be perfect for the family. but hopefully there is a 4wd version at one point or another..

Diver · 03-08-2011, 01:39 PM

Interesting vehicle, but it is probably going to cost a fortune. I wonder what the combined power will be with a petrol engine instead of the original diesel. BMW is obviously worried about resistance to diesel engines in the US.

antzcrashing · 03-08-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diver

Interesting vehicle, but it is probably going to cost a fortune. I wonder what the combined power will be with a petrol engine instead of the original diesel. BMW is obviously worried about resistance to diesel engines in the US.

I wonder if Diesel would also disqualify it from eco refunds in the US.

dmboone25 · 03-08-2011, 01:59 PM

Now this is more like it--I looked at the i3 first and wasn't blown away...even with the psychadelic stuff on the sides, it looks hot.

Probably way out of my price range, but thumbs up regardless.

nbennettksu · 03-08-2011, 03:11 PM

slotted and drilled rotors...

masamune · 03-08-2011, 05:19 PM

Those wheels look like something you mold cookies out of from dough.

moody320d · 03-08-2011, 05:22 PM

I'm 100% going to buy one as long as its no more than £100,000. Its so beautiful !

maswastage · 03-08-2011, 05:32 PM

I still can't get over the fact it's no longer a diesel. It is now an entirely pointless object, as far as I'm concerned.

Bimmer_Freak · 03-08-2011, 05:52 PM

I've never wanted a car more in my life!

Its 2011, all cars should start looking all futuristic like this by now! Well done BMW for leading the way.

ESC OFF · 03-08-2011, 06:49 PM

I always think of this when I see the i8...."Demolition Man"

BMWBoss · 03-08-2011, 10:29 PM

This car will be ridiculously overpriced IMO...looks cool, but def won't be worth the price

03-08-2011, 10:34 AM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 14,244 iTrader: (0)	BMW i8 Spied In Cold Weather Testing (with VIDEOS) BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW i8 Spied In Cold Weather Testing (with VIDEOS) 66 COMMENTS Tweet Here are the first spyshots and videos of the BMW i8, flagship of the new BMW i sub-brand, conducting cold weather testing. According to Scott26, it's undergoing drivetrain testing and some details on the car seen here will still be subject to change. The i8 was previously intended to be powered by a 161-horsepower 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo DIESEL engine mated with a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle (80HP) and full electric motor on the rear axle (51HP), to give a combined 292HP. But, according to R&D chief Klaus Draeger, the diesel motor will now be replaced by a traditional gasoline engine in order to appeal to the widest potential sales market. Sales and price targets for the i8 are yet undetermined. According to Ian Robertson, BMW’s global sales and marketing boss, "Our sales will strongly depend on legislation. Not only by big markets like the U.S. or China, but by local city authorities and their terms of taxation," Robertson said. "If a city like Amsterdam or London decides that you get a tax reduction, then sales will boost." The Vision Efficient Dynamics concept on which the i8 is based will be featured in the upcoming Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol (where it's been spied on set), and two other projects. VIDEOS PHOTOS Share this story OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE BMW i8 Sports Production Wheels For First Time and Drops Some Camo Video: First Ever Look at BMW i8 Performing on the Track BMW i8 Sounding Good in First Ride Along Video. Will Get Active Sound Design to Enhance Interior Sound __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
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03-08-2011, 10:42 AM	#2
EuroCarsOnline Drives: BMW Individual M3 Sedan Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Northwest BMW Posts: 253 iTrader: (0)	Could be my next lease. Looks promising! __________________ Ultimate Buying Power BMWDavid@me.com www.bmweco.com 202-262-2900 Call Joy for Vehicle Status 443-883-6925

03-08-2011, 01:21 PM	#12
Malbolge Major General Drives: Montego E90 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pluto (which is not a planet) Posts: 5,060 iTrader: (1)	is Audi, Merc, whoever sitting and thinking... "wtf, they're actually doing it?!". And I'm glad they are, a pair of i cars woudl be perfect for the family. but hopefully there is a 4wd version at one point or another.. __________________ E90 325i Montego Blau - 2011-2012 (SOLD) E90 320d TiAg - 2007-2011 (SOLD) E36 320i Avus Blau Msport - 2007 (SOLD)

03-08-2011, 01:39 PM	#13
Diver Colonel Drives: Black '12 135i DCT PPK Msport Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 2,057 iTrader: (0)	Interesting vehicle, but it is probably going to cost a fortune. I wonder what the combined power will be with a petrol engine instead of the original diesel. BMW is obviously worried about resistance to diesel engines in the US. __________________ See my photography at http://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com

03-08-2011, 01:59 PM	#15
dmboone25 Brigadier General Drives: 2011 E82 N55 135i/DUC M1100EVO Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago, IL & Indianapolis IN Posts: 4,029 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 328i [0.00] 2007 328i [0.00]	Now this is more like it--I looked at the i3 first and wasn't blown away...even with the psychadelic stuff on the sides, it looks hot. Probably way out of my price range, but thumbs up regardless. __________________ Current - 2011 N55/DCT E82 135i--Lemans Blue, Gray Leather, M Sport, Premium Past BMWs: 2008 E82 135 - AW, N54, MT 2007 E92 328 - JB, N52, MT, ZSP (traded in for 135) 2007 E92 328 - JB, N52, MT (retired by a drunk driver)

03-08-2011, 10:50 AM	#3
Impervious UNC FTW Drives: Black Sapphire 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC Posts: 699 iTrader: (0)	I want one so bad.

03-08-2011, 11:12 AM	#4
SamS Brigadier General Drives: 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,106 iTrader: (0)	Talk about looking "from the future", this car has it! It's one thing to show it as a concept, or static, but when it's doing actual testing, it makes me think I'll see one on the streets in a few years. WOW!

03-08-2011, 11:41 AM	#5
shenglin New Blood Drives: -- Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Singapore Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	The car's going to look so great in white. I suppose that this car will only be available in Singapore after 5 years or more. =(

03-08-2011, 11:52 AM	#7
cgaffney004 Beer Master Drives: 09' e92 M3/e36 95' M3 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New York Posts: 63 iTrader: (0)	Whatever they did over the rear wheels looks terrible. Front looks great... rear end is a fail IMO.

03-08-2011, 12:05 PM	#8
psre08 Second Lieutenant Drives: 330i E90 & 330Ci E46 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ottawa Posts: 203 iTrader: (3)	I just can't believe they're coming out with something so futuristic. Amazing. Good job BMW.

03-08-2011, 12:11 PM	#9
-=Hot\|Ice=- Been There, Done That. Drives: 2013 BMW M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 4,729 iTrader: (0)	Lose the wheels and the retarded looking side mirrors. Why can't they be on the door like every other normal car. This isn't the Pagani Hahahaha.

03-08-2011, 12:21 PM	#10
kyleb350 Brigadier General Drives: '13 ST Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: LoMbard, IL Posts: 3,929 iTrader: (6)	Gas engine, hmm. Hope they go with the N20 + Hybrid. 240hp + 131hp

03-08-2011, 01:14 PM	#11
vincmo Second Lieutenant Drives: e90 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Montreal Posts: 227 iTrader: (0)	Now that's what I'm talking about! Too bad it will be too expensive for most of us...and the i3 will look like crap!

03-08-2011, 03:11 PM	#16
nbennettksu Captain Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 949 iTrader: (0)	slotted and drilled rotors...

03-08-2011, 05:19 PM	#17
masamune Member Drives: 2009 328xi Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: PA Posts: 125 iTrader: (0)	Those wheels look like something you mold cookies out of from dough.

03-08-2011, 05:22 PM	#18
moody320d Private First Class Drives: 09 M3 Coupe Silverstone II Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: London, United Kingdom Posts: 194 iTrader: (0)	I'm 100% going to buy one as long as its no more than £100,000. Its so beautiful !

03-08-2011, 05:32 PM	#19
maswastage Resident Diesel Junkie Drives: 2010 AW 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,071 iTrader: (0)	I still can't get over the fact it's no longer a diesel. It is now an entirely pointless object, as far as I'm concerned.

03-08-2011, 05:52 PM	#20
Bimmer_Freak Private First Class Drives: 2011 135i DCT Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 151 iTrader: (0)	I've never wanted a car more in my life! Its 2011, all cars should start looking all futuristic like this by now! Well done BMW for leading the way. __________________ Current: 2011 135i DCT M-Sport - Space Gray\| black leather/Poplar grain\| Business Nav\| Sunroof - *SOLD!*

03-08-2011, 06:49 PM	#21
ESC OFF Major Drives: 1M (AW) & CaymanS Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,018 iTrader: (0)	I always think of this when I see the i8...."Demolition Man" Attached Images __________________ The faster you go, the better it feels

03-08-2011, 10:29 PM	#22
BMWBoss Lieutenant Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 451 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	This car will be ridiculously overpriced IMO...looks cool, but def won't be worth the price

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