Almost four years after the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics first showed its face the i8 production model is nearing completion. The petrol-electric hybrid has been spied charging its way around the Nürburgring.
Based on the info from the i8 Concept we can expect it to boast a total of 260kW/550Nm from its hybrid drivetrain. Enough to propel the i8 to 100km/h in around 4.6 seconds. Separating the power individually, a 1.5 litre three cylinder petrol engine drives the rear wheels and produces 164kW/300Nm. The front wheels are powered by the 96kW/250Nm electric motor, which can achieve a 100% recharge in less than two hours. In all-electric mode the i8 has a 35km range.
An exact launch date for the i8 is unknown, but speculation suggests it will be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
[Source: Pistonspy]