IAA 2011: BMW i8 Sports Concept Heading to Production in 2013

While the i3 is an everyday city car - albeit a very sophisticated one at that, the second member of BMW’s new i series that made its way to Frankfurt is an altogether different concept. Derived from the 2009 Vision EfficientDynamics study, the futuristic-looking i8 will enter production in 2013.

Hiding under the lightweight CFRP for skin is an extended range hybrid drivetrain comprising of a front-mounted electric motor sourced from the i3 and a rear-mounted 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit. The gasoline unit drives the rear wheels through a dual clutch transmission, while the electric motor uses a twin-speed transmission to turn the front wheels.

Combined maximum output of the two drive systems is 349HP and 550 Nm (405.6 lb-ft) of torque, which makes it more powerful than the previous-generation M3. The sprint to 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 4.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

According to BMW, the 2+2-seater i8 returns an average fuel consumption of just 2.7 lt/100 km (87mpg US).

 

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We Hear: New Kia GT Concept gets V6 Turbo Engine, May Inspire a Production Model

Continuing our flow of stories from the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, we now have some fresh news on the Kia GT sports saloon concept, new pictures of which we showed yesterday.

The South Korean maker had told us the GT will feature a traditional layout with the engine mounted up front and power being delivered to the rear wheels, however, we knew nothing about the motor lurking under the hood. Up until now, that is.

We learned that the conceptual study will be motivated by a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 delivering a little under 400-horsepower and close to 400 lb-ft of torque, with power channeled to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Perhaps more interesting is the fact that some people over at Kia are very keen on taking the concept to the next level and using it as a base to build a similar in philosophy production model.

 

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