03-31-2012, 08:47 AM | #1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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BMW i8 Spyder and Coupe Concepts Compared
BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW i8 Spyder and Coupe Concepts Compared The just unveiled BMW i8 Concept Spyder naturally calls for a comparison to its open-air sibling. It's an interesting comparison for several reasons. Seeing both concepts shows the differences between both cars/concepts but also shows some progress BMW has made in the development of the Concept i8. At first sight, the i8 Spyder looks even more focused and 'mean' than the i8 Coupe. Part of the reason for this is that the i8 Spyder is 15 cm or 6 inches shorter than the i8 Coupe (see full specs below). Being an open top car however results in a weight disadvantage of 150 kg or 330 lbs. Both the i8 Coupe and the i8 Spyder have gullwing/butterfly doors, and both will retain this for series production (as seen in our recent i8 spy video and photos). Note however, that the the i8 Spyder hasn't been announced for series production yet. The glass doors of the i8 Coupe won't make it to production but will follow a similar approach as the i8 Spyder shows. But that's enough talking, enjoy the comparison photos and both cars' specifications below. The i8 Spyder will make its public world premiere at Beijing auto show next month. Photos
Specifications
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03-31-2012, 11:53 PM | #4 |
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Nice to see the spyder preview more production level parts like the doors. Still looks great even though it's no longer glass and much thicker now.
have to say I like the spyder better. |
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04-01-2012, 01:17 AM | #5 |
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04-01-2012, 01:35 AM | #6 |
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04-01-2012, 01:46 AM | #7 |
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Actual looks better than the concept...but come on, rear seats would've been nice!
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04-01-2012, 06:52 AM | #9 |
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So for the production models will there still be a size difference? It's funny but they do actually suit different proportions. The coupe looks better with a longer wheelbase and the spyder looks better without back seats.
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04-01-2012, 07:05 AM | #10 | |
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Best regards, south
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04-01-2012, 07:51 AM | #14 |
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The numbers look a lot better on the coupe. Personally, I would like it better if the battery was about one fourth the size and only used to recover braking energy and get the vehicle moving. That would probably knock off 150 kilos, reduce the cost and improve overall performance. Light hybrid is the real future, not plug-in. Nobody knows what to do with the lithium when these batteries are spent in 10 years.
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04-01-2012, 08:17 AM | #15 |
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I do love the photoshop with the spokey rims
I hope the spyder makes it into production, I think it would sell 2X the volume of the coupe Prediction: In the US, the i8 coupe will have MSRP $140k, it will be loaded for $170K. This puts it more expensive than the R8 (V8 engine), less than the R8 (V10) |
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04-01-2012, 08:40 AM | #18 | |
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On a slightly different topic, (perhaps I'm being daft) but I don't see the benefit of these full electric models. As we know these cars will need to be charged up and where does electricity come from? It comes back to oil again. You are also right that these lithium batteries are going to stop holding a charge and will need to be charged more often. This again means using more electricity to charge them more often. It's an endless cycle of relying on oil.
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04-01-2012, 08:42 AM | #19 |
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Let's not get too carried away lol. Though I would love to see BMW make a real R8 rival.
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04-01-2012, 10:16 AM | #22 | |
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