Electric Future

THE design of the BMW i8 is both revolutionary and functional. It has a new purpose-built structure comprising a carbon fibre reinforced plastic shell with a thermoplastic outer skin that is bolted onto an aluminium chassis. The body with its show-stopping wing doors also has perfect aerodynamics (0.26 drag coefficient). There are no add-on spoilers and only small front openings and a hidden exhaust, in keeping with its green credentials. Because while the i8 may be a sports car, it is first and foremost a plug-in hybrid. There is a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine behind the two back seats with a starter generator to drive the rear axle, as well as an electric motor in the nose for the front wheels. This makes it a four-wheel-drive car but one with only an electrical, not mechanical, connection between the two axles.

All-wheel-drive not only contributes to swift progress but superior traction too. The i8's 49:51 front/rear weight distribution also makes it an ideal sports car. With two people in the car, the weight distribution becomes a perfect 50:50.

The electric motor is located in front to enable better energy recuperation because of the higher load under braking. When driving spiritedly, the starter generator provides a 50 Nm overboost for two seconds to match the front motor during kickdown. This takes place in Sport mode, when the battery is always charged to at least 80 per cent to enable the boost function. The other driving modes are Comfort and Eco Pro, which offer either all-electric or hybrid options.