Certified CenterThe 2016 BMW i8 is an otherworldly automobile, particularly under the hood. With four-seats, carbon fiber construction, a mid-mounted three-cylinder engine, two transmissions and a pair of electric motors, the i8 represents auto engineering on the edge of envelope. But according to a new review in AutoGuide, the i8 is a glimpse at the not-so-distant future of hybrid performance supercars.
A lot of cars on the road today claim to have a unique or cutting edge drivetrain, but with the i8, it’s absolutely true. Sitting midbody is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine paired to an 11-hp electric motor. Combined, they send a total of 228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
Complimenting that setup is a second electric motor up front pumping an additional 129 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. But the innovation doesn’t stop there, as there’s not one, but two transmissions. Hooked up to the mid-mounted engine is a six-speed automatic, while the front motor has a two-speed auto of its own. This all adds up to a zero to 60 mph acceleration run in 4.0 seconds or less, with top speed limited to 155 mph.
Interested in BMW's hybrid supercar technology? Our experienced sales professionals would love to talk about the i8 or any other BMW model in our inventory. Stop by our Portland, OR showroom today or call (877) 962-2143 to schedule an appointment.