The engine overcompensates with a civilized idle burble and a self-assured sports-car thrum. This results in a self-magnetising effect normally confined to reluctance motors. The LifeDrive architecture also brings benefits in terms of weight distribution. The highly turbocharged petrol engine, which is located together with its transmission in the rear of the BMW i8, likewise sends its power to the road via the shortest possible route, i.e. Bottom line: The BMW i8 is still a very cool, head-turner of an automobile, and speaks strongly for the EV movement thanks to its status as a pioneer and revolutionary. The front-rear axle load distribution maximises agility with a near-perfect 50:50 axle load ratio. As well as providing a power boost to assist the petrol engine during acceleration, the electric motor can also power the vehicle by itself. The trick to entering is to sit and swivel over the knee-high sill one leg at a time. Learn more about Price, Engine Type, MPG, and complete safety and warranty information. The latest BMW software – iDrive 6.0 – now runs via the car’s infotainment system, while minor changes to the dampers and anti-roll bars are intended to improve handling performance and driving feel. The Mercedes-AMG SLS Electric Drive looks sinister and the R8 e-tron and new Porsche Mission E are all-electric sports cars that move the game forward. These reviews speak specifically to the 2019 model year, but will encompass some commentary and comparisons to the previous years, and the production run as a whole. TheBMW i focus is squarely on all-electric and plug-in hybrid mobility. Other than the occasional whir, the motors are quiet at work. The new three-cylinder engine derives its typical characteristics from the BMW six-cylinder in-line engines, to which it is closely related and which are noted for their eager power delivery, revving ability and refinement. This additional excitation ensures that the electromechanical field generated when current is applied remains stable even at high rpm. Out of town, the BMW i8 offers impressively sporty performance which is also very efficient thanks to the power-boosting support for the petrol engine from the electric motor. Minus, of course, the part about DeLorean being charged with trafficking cocaine to fund his enterprise. Use of the lightweight high-tech material CFRP, which also offers excellent crash performance, brings weight savings of 50 per cent over steel and around 30 per cent over aluminium, with equivalent or improved strength. Need the ultimate combination of space and room? Then you need a fast estate car that has hypercar rivaling speed. John Z. DeLorean aspired to sell an “ethical” sports car allegedly safer than conventional two-seaters of his day. Thanks to its carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, the BMW i8 sets new standards for a plug-in hybrid vehicle in terms of low weight. The BMW i8 combines a drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.26 with outstanding aerodynamic balance. The magnesium instrument panel support saves weight on two fronts – firstly through intelligent design, leading to around 30 per cent weight savings compared, for example, with the BMW 6 Series. Below are snippets of reviews from some of the most trusted sources when it comes to automotive journalism. In addition to excellent acoustic properties, a further advantage of this solution is weight savings of around 50 per cent compared with conventional laminated glass. People in skirts will likely prefer a foot-first entry, an alternative procedure that works nearly as well. The motor derives its energy from the lithium-ion battery which is centrally mounted underneath the floor of the vehicle. Every rip-braap! From the first models to the latest Ferrari hypercars, we have HD wallpapers of all of them. With both drive systems engaged, it also offers road-hugging allwheel-drive performance with powerful acceleration and dynamic torque vectoring during sporty cornering. Wondering which configuration is right for you? Efficient Dynamics combines evolutionary advances in existing technologies with the development of new and revolutionary drive concepts. Read reviews, browse our car inventory, and more. That’s good or bad, depending on your priorities… The i8’s performance is impressive considering its efficient powertrain—not its relatively high price.” Link to full article, Autocar – 4.5/10: “BMW would have you believe that the new i8 is the sports car of the future – and it’s a believable claim of a car that is daring, exotic and state of the art in just about every way you might judge it…. With monster engines, firmer suspension systems and more aggressive looks, sport sedans are a great addition to a family garage. Hybrids will no longer be confined to the driveways of Toyota Prius drivers attempting to squeeze the most mileage out of a gallon of fuel, especially when companies like Porsche build the like of the hybrid 918 Spyder and McLaren the insane P1 with it’s electric unit and big twin turbo V8. 75 mph). Use the CarsDirect Target Price as a tool in your negotiation. NHTSA rates vehicles on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Base 2dr All-wheel Drive Coupe - MSRP $135,700, Compare all 2014 BMW i8 models side-by-side. Well ahead of its time, its powertrain technology was the result of BMW’s visionary approach to a rapidly shifting narrative towards a future focused on sustainability. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Tested: 1995 Hummer H1 Adapts to Civilian Life, Tested: 2021 BMW M440i Noses Away From Its Roots, Tested: Escalade ESV Embraces Luxury and Tech, Tested: Kia K5 GT-Line Draws Closer to Excellence, Tested: Mini Cooper SE Brings Joy to Cheap EVs, Tested: 2020 GT350R Leaves a Lasting Impression, Tested: 2021 Rogue Ratchets Up Its Visual Appeal, Tested: Acura TLX Shows Signs of Greatness. In the short-term, many of the mainstream automakers such as Audi, Aston Martin, Kia and Mercedes are looking to enter the game with their own lineup of EVs, which will only further flood the market with more options – good for the consumer, not so great for the i8. Most people are surprised when they find out that Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have been around since the 1930s. For a list of safety-related features, please check the. Opening and latching these aluminum, injection-molded-plastic, and carbon-fiber doors is easy, not just because they’re light but because BMW applied its renowned spring/damper expertise to the strut that does most of the work. Typical of an electric motor, responsive power is instantly available when starting and this continues into the higher load ranges. The BMW i brand is synonymous with visionary mobility concepts and a new definition of premium quality that is strongly focused on sustainability. The battery can also be recharged via the electric motor during overrun. Become A Contributor Additionally, find 2014 BMW i8 warranty and reliability information, such as limits on bumper-to … Hybrid sports cars are becoming more impressive vehicles every time a new one is announced. Learn more about Price, Engine Type, MPG, and complete safety and warranty information. The low roll torque, a typical feature of a three-cylinder design, is further reduced by a balancer shaft, while a multi-stage damper integrated in the automatic transmission ensures very smooth and refined running at low rpm. While the original car was relatively trailblazing for its time, BMW hasn’t made a whole lot of changes to the i8 since its 2014 release. Sign Up, Already have an account? The M1 was homologated simply so BMW could go road racing in … Hummer Is Back with a 1000-HP Electric Pickup, Hummer EV Starts at $112K, Cheaper Models to Come, GMC's 2022 Hummer EV's Competitors Are Few, Once Notorious, the Hummer Brand Aims for Glory, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. If you’re looking at purchasing a BMW i8, you may also want to cross-shop these alternatives which fall into the same price-range, class, or a combination of the two. Our car experts choose every product we feature. Contact store for more details. 2014 BMW i8 2dr Cpe features and specs at Car and Driver. The compact electric motor, together with the transmission and power electronics, are situated in close proximity to the electrically powered front axle. Terence is a motorsport and sports car enthusiast located in western Canada. Copyright Notice. The BMW i8 always achieves the optimal balance between performance and efficiency, whatever the driving situation. View thousands of detailed wallpaper photos of Ferrari cars we love. @ 3,700 rpm, 20.0 " machined w/painted accents aluminum, driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback, dual heated, power remote driver, power remote w/tilt down passenger, Safety data is not currently available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All hypercars are supercars, but not all supercars are hypercars. The BMW i8 would be the earliest creation in this image. We’ve found and reviewed the best Sports Coupes to help you find your cool sports car. The BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid system is specific to this model. Jul 11, 2014 ... and a second ­electric motor contribute 357 combined horsepower to the cause. Its revolutionary approach achieves an unprecedented balance between performance and fuel consumption. The three cylinder’s BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprises a high-performance turbocharging system and direct petrol injection with high-precision injectors positioned between the valves, along with VALVETRONIC throttle-less load control, which improves efficiency and response thanks to seamlessly variable valve lift control. You'll find him cruising local city streets with a Porsche Taycan 4S, or striving to find the perfect racing line in a Nissan GT-R whilst at the track. While still emerging, the electric sports cars category is starting to turn out some gems. COPYRIGHT 1999-2020 MH Sub I, LLC dba CarsDirect.com. Was this a divine prophecy about our forthcoming trip or merely a California coincidence? The finely honed air flow around all parts of the vehicle body makes for an excellent lift/drag ratio, resulting in superb driving dynamics and stability. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and low internal friction improve both fuel consumption and torque characteristics. The electromechanical power steering offers easy manoeuvring in town and typical sports car-style high-speed steering precision. The push button-activated Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system raises the DSC thresholds, allowing some controlled drive wheel slippage for easier start-off on snow or loose ground, or for extra-dynamic cornering. When power demands allow, the high-voltage battery is recharged by the electric motor. Every i8 trip begins with a grand door-opening spectacle. 2014 BMW i8 2dr Cpe features and specs at Car and Driver. You can have excitement and a very spacious car. The BMW i8 is also the world’s first volume-produced vehicle to be equipped with chemically hardened glass. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. The two-speed GKN automatic between the 129-hp AC motor and the front wheels is this powertrain’s silent partner.