BMW I8 Concept

The i8 Concept Spyder is based on the i8 hardtop (aka Vision Efficient Dynamics).Like its sibling the i8 Concept Spyder features an ‘eDrive’ hybrid drivetrain, combining a 164kW three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (at the rear wheels) and 96kW of electric power (powering the front wheels) to offer a total of 260kW. And with 550Nm of torque on tap there’s enough to get up and go to take the 1630kg eco-sportscar to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds.Zero-emissions travel is limited to a modest 30km or so, but is offset by a reasonably quick recharge time of less than two hours. On the plus side you can use a domestic plug to recharge. So, if you do insist on all-electric power you’ll be limited to city commuting. But you have to start somewhere.

We reckon the electronic instrument cluster and central info display look pretty nifty, too, and expect it won’t be too long before we’re seeing technology like this in more mainstream BMW models.

The i8 Coupé is due for release in 2014 so it’ll probably be some time before the i8 Spyder makes the transition from concept to reality.