BMW i8 Spyder Concept
BMW i8 Spyder Concept BMW

The BMW i8 was first introduced back in 2009 as a semi-transparent hybrid sports car concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Four years later, the Bavarian automaker is happy to announce that its BMW i8 will finally arrive at showrooms next year as a 2015 model year. However, despite its rather long gestation period, there is still plenty of BMW i8 details and specs that we do not know.

As car enthusiasts, we're excessively dependent to numbers and figures in order to make a judgement on a new car. However, applying that process on the 2015 BMW i8 will be a mistake. The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid that features an electric motor at the front axle, producing 131 hp, and a three-cylinder turbocharged engine at the rear axle, putting down 231 hp. In total, the BMW i8 delivers a combined 362 hp. To put it in perspective, the outgoing E92 BMW M3 makes 414 hp, which is substantially more than the output of what is supposed to be BMW's newest flagship sports car. Surely, the BMW i8 must be more than just the sum of its performance numbers.

As far as hybrid supercars go, the Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1, and LaFerrari are all hardcore speed machines that only apply hybrid technology as a way to meet stricter emission regulations. On the other hand, the BMW i8 addresses efficiency and eco-consciousness like no sports car before. In fact, the 2015 BMW i8 claims fuel consumption as low as 94 mpg as well as acceleration from 0-60 mph within the low 4 second range and a top speed of 155 mph.

Beyond its power unit, the BMW i8 pushes the boundaries in chassis development as the body is extensively carbon fiber. What's more, the BMW i8 introduces a new generation "smart" key fob and a novel pair of laser beam headlights to boot. Is the BMW i8 the fastest hybrid? No, but it certainly offers one of the most interesting combinations of new technology to date.