Simply electric

THE performance hybrid is not a new concept but the BMW i8 has pushed the envelope and created a car that breaks new ground in the areas of design and construction. This stunningly styled 2+2 coupe is a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid sports car that has the power of a conventional high-performance model but the fuel consumption of a compact car.

As a first step, the i8 has a lightweight body, one utilising aluminium and carbon fibre instead of a conventional steel structure. A carbon fibre reinforced plastic shell with a thermoplastic outer skin is bolted on to an aluminium chassis.

The low-slung car is also very aerodynamic, with an impressive drag coefficient of 0.26. There are no openings in the familiar BMW kidney grille, while the large V-shaped bonnet vent forces the air that enters below the front bumper to flow over the top of the car and increase downforce at high speed.