The sophisticated hybrid powertrain that powers the upcoming BMW i8 hybrid sports car will be made exclusively at the firm’s UK engine plant at Hams Hall, near Birmingham. Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, announced this at the SMMT 2012 International Automotive Summit at Canary Wharf, London. The plant recently made its 3 millionth BMW engine, and enjoys a worldwide reputation for efficiency and quality.

The powetrain in question is an innovative eDrive plug-in hybrid, consisting of an electric drive system with a high performance three cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine producing 349hp/300Nm. That doesn’t sound especially mind-blowing for a sports car, but the i8 is hugely advanced and uses lightweight materials, so it goes from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. That will sound more impressive to you when you realize the car does nearly 78 mpg!

Thanks to its plug-in hybrid drive, most daily journeys can be taken in zero-emission all-electric mode with an electric range of approximately 20 miles. The 2+2 seater provides enough space for four people giving a high level of everyday practicality. That is marvelous. You still get the decent performance, but with no compromise on economy. We just need to know how this thing feels to drive.

Ian Robertson said: “Our Hams Hall engine plant, which last week celebrated production of the three-millionth engine since the plant was opened in February 2001, will make an important contribution to the future success of the new BMW i brand and the company’s strategy for achieving sustainable mobility. The new 3-cylinder petrol engines will enable our future BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car to set new standards for dynamic performance in combination with industry-leading fuel-efficiency and low carbon emission levels.”