BMW i sub-brand today revealed two new i concept cars called i3 and i8, which will expand the i lineup when they go on sale in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
The i sub-brand is the badge for BMW’s new lineup of futuristic concept cars, all of which are sophisticated hybrid cars with incredible performance and unique design.
The BMW i3 Concept is a small city car powered by a zero-emission electric drivetrain – 125 kW electric motor and rear-wheel – and a range of approximately 150 km. This little car benefits form a new technology called the LifeDrive architecture, which features a carbon passenger cell for light weight of just 1,250 kg. It also provides optimal interior space and the highest crash safety levels. The car has four seats and offers 200 liters of luggage space.
BMW i8 is the more interesting one. it’s basically a super car with 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds and limited top speed of 250 km/h. But its advanced hybrid system, which provides a system output of 260 kW allows a range of up to 35 kilometres in electric mode, needs only three liters of fuel every 100 km. The best thing about the i8 is its awesome looks, which although modern and futuristic, somehow has the great feel of old BMWs.
“We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As Chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,” declared Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at Friday’s premiere of the two vehicles in Frankfurt. “As the world’s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,” he added.
Both the BMW i3 and the BMW i8 will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany. Some 400 million euros are earmarked for investment in new buildings and facilities by 2013, while 800 new jobs are to be created. Vehicle production will be CO2 neutral and will draw on renewable resources. The company is currently investigating the possibility of erecting its own wind turbines on the plant site.
