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      12-04-2012, 12:35 AM   #1
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Lightbulb Spied BMW i8 Mule Looks More Production Ready with Hoffmeister Kink and Other Updates

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Spied BMW i8 Mule Looks More Production Ready with Hoffmeister Kink and Other Updates
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It's been months since we've spied any BMW i8 prototype showing any outwardly noticeable changes, but this i8 mule we spied last week finally shows some changes. We've also posted some photos below of a previous prototype and concept i8, for comparison.

• Classic Hoffmeister kink has now been revealed.
• Kidney grilles now more visible than ever.
• Sideskirts now match the concept i8.
• Side view mirrors are sportier and extend out further, for a more exotic look.
• Door handles have been deleted from the doors and moved to the newly created gap between the rear edge of the door and the rear quarter panel, just like on the i8 Spyder Concept.
• Rear fenders/shoulders and tail lights have been raised for a more aggressive look, to match the look of the i8 Concept.
• Bulbous rear camouflage has been removed, showing much more of production rear's lines and shape.


Powertrain and Sales Target:

The concept i8 specs should give a great idea of what to expect for the production i8 model. The concept i8 features a high performance 3-cylinder petrol engine (164 kW) in rear with i3's electric motor (limited to 96 kW) in front, resulting in total torque of 550 Nm (300Nm petrol engine + 250 Nm electric motor).

Here are the concept i8's previously released vitals (subject to change in the production model, of course):
  • 3-cylinder petrol engine (164kw) in rear with i3's electric motor (limited to 96 kW) in front
  • 550 Nm (300Nm petrol engine + 250 Nm electric motor)
  • 3 driving modes - electric, petrol, or both engines at once
  • 1,480 kg
  • 0-100kph (62mph): 4.6 seconds
  • Top speed: 250kph (limited)
  • 2.7 L/100km fuel economy
  • 35km pure electric range
  • 4 seater
  • 50:50 distribution
  • Market Launch: 2014
Exact sales and price targets for the i8 are yet undetermined. But, earlier this year, Ian Robertson, BMW’s global sales and marketing boss, while speaking reporters at the grand opening of the world's first BMW i Store in London, confirmed that the i8 will sell for "more than €100,000" in Europe. As for sales targets, Robertson has previously stated that "Our sales will strongly depend on legislation. Not only by big markets like the U.S. or China, but by local city authorities and their terms of taxation," Robertson said. "If a city like Amsterdam or London decides that you get a tax reduction, then sales will boost."

Catch our previous coverage of the BMW i8 @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/?s=i8


Newest Spy Video:





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Previous prototype i8 (for comparison):


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Concept i8 coupe and spyder (for comparison):


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Speculative renders of a production i8 coupe:


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