The BMW I8 Concept is a fascinating car that makes the vision of a modern and sustainable sports car come true. The innovative Plugin type hybrid concept of the BMW I8 Concept includes the modified electric motor of the BMW I3 Concept that acts on the front axle and a high -performance three -cylinder combustion engine of 164 kW (223 hp) and 300 nm that applies its force on the posterior axle. Combining these two engines, the BMW I8 Concept has the performance of a sports car, combined with the consumption of a small car.
No vehicle with a combustion motor of similar power is capable of matching the benefits of the BMW I8 Concept: Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds and average consumption according to European test cycle less than 3 liters to 100 kilometers. The BMW I8 Concept has an autonomy of up to 35 kilometers only with its electric motor, thanks to its large ion-lithium accumulator that can be charged simply by connecting it to a conventional current. The 2+2 seat offers additional space for all kinds of situations, so it is a perfectly useful car in daily use.
The LIFDRive architecture of the BMW I8 Concept was specifically conceived depending on the sporting nature of this model. The engine that acts on the front axle and the one that does so on the rear axle are united by each other by a so -called "energy keel", in which the high voltage accumulator is housed. Thanks to this configuration, the center of gravity of the car is very low, which contributes to its excellent dynamic qualities. The assembly of the engines above the axes and the balanced distribution of all components results in an optimal distribution of the weight on the axes.
The fascinating design makes clearly intuit the qualities of the BMW I8 Concept. Its dynamics proportions get the BMW I8 Concept to be in motion even if it is parked, expressing its extraordinary benefits. Sports character is also evident in the cabin. This model has been conceived thinking about the driver, so that to the controls of the BMW I8 Concept Exceptional sensations are experienced.
The BMW I8 Concept represents a new generation of sports cars for its purism, its fascinating design and its sustainable character.
The LIFDRIVE architecture of the BMW I8 Concept
the LIFDRIVE architecture of the BMW I8 Concept was specifically conceived depending on the sporting nature of this model, considering its high performance and its extraordinary dynamism. Unlike the only horizontal orientation of the BMW I3 Concept, the Livedrive architecture of the BMW I8 Concept has an additional vertical configuration. The BMW i8 concept engines are housed in their own modules mounted in the front and rear of the car, joined together using the Life module of synthetic material reinforced with carbon fiber. Considering that the BMW I8 is a plugin type hybrid car, which means that it does not only have an electric motor, it has a smaller number of battery cells than the BMW I3 Concept. The cells of this model are housed in the so -called "energy keel" which, in turn, is integrated into the Life module in an area that resembles the conventional cardan tunnel.
The front module and the rear module and, in addition the cabin and the accumulator form a single functional unit that not only serves as a bearing structure, but also offers the necessary resistance in case of shocks. Thanks to the high voltage accumulator is mounted on the "energy keel", the center of gravity of the car is very low, which contributes to its excellent dynamic qualities. The accumulator assembly position and the assembly of the two engines above the axes results in an optimal distribution of the weight on the axes of 50:50. To this advantage is added the reduction of non -damping and rotating masses, achieved through the intelligent use of innovative light materials. This solution manages to improve the acceleration capacity of the vehicle and, additionally, also positively affects its autonomy and consumption. In total, the BMW I8 Concept meets all the criteria necessary to experience extraordinary experiences at the controls of a specially sports car that has a very special propulsion system.
The configuration of the axes provides for obtaining optimal benefits, well in accordance with the sports nature of the model. Specifically, the multibrazo front axle is not only extremely compact, but its silhouette is very flat, so its aerodynamic resistance is especially favorable. In addition, it is able to eliminate the forces that the engine can apply on the direction, which means that the dynamic car behavior is optimal in any situation.
The best of two worlds: the BMW I8 Concept
the BMW I8 Concept is equipped with two different propulsion systems, allowing the advantages offered by each of them. In the case of a plugin type hybrid model, it manages to benefit from the advantages of the electric motor and those of the combustion engine, thus obtaining a car of maximum efficiency and an extraordinary dynamism. The BMW I3 Concept electric motor, especially modified for the hybrid system, is mounted on the front axle of the BMW I8 Concept. The Turbo Gasoline Turbo engine of High Performance that is mounted on the posterior axis has a maximum power of 164 hp and delivers a couple of up to 300 Nm. With this combination of engines, the BMW I8 Concept is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Like the electric motor, also the high -performance combustion engine of 1,500 cc has been developed entirely by BMW Group and its technology marks a new reference ribbon in the segment of conventional engines. No combustion motor car of similar power is capable of matching the benefits of the BMW I8 Concept: Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds and consumption according to European test cycle less than 3 liters to 100 kilometers. Depending on the weight of the car and the conditions prevailing in the conducted path, it is possible to further reduce these values.
The BMW i8 concept hybrid system also allows you to drive only with the electric motor. The custom accumulator for the assembly between the front axle and the rear axle provides sufficient energy to the electric motor to reach an autonomy of approximately 35 kilometers if it is conducted only with the electric motor. Less than two hours are only necessary to completely load the accumulator connected to a conventional current.
Dynamism
Since the BMW I8 Concept has two engines, the system is four -wheel drive, similar to that of a conventional integral traction car. Therefore, the BMW I8 Concept combines all the advantages that distinguish front traction, rear -wheel drive and total traction, so that it always has an optimal traction capacity as required by the driving situation. Intelligent chassis regulation systems ensure that the recovery capacity is always optimal according to the status of the road and the dynamic conditions of the car, without negatively influencing dynamic behavior and stability. Under these conditions, the recovery capacity is optimal even if it is driven in rain or snow.
