Video: First Look at BMW i8 Performing on the Track (Nurbrugring)

Jason · 04-18-2013, 08:39 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

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We have posted countless spy photos and videos of the upcoming BMW i8 hybrid sports car, but we've yet to spy it on an actual track... until now. BMW trotted this i8 mule out to the Nurburgring this week and we managed to capture it on the Nurburgring for the first time.

The i8 is expected to boast 354hp / 500Nm torque, 0-62 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph, 78 MPG (european test cycle), up to 47 MPG average fuel consumption, with just 66g/km emissions, all from its 1.5L three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (in rear) with a 128hp electric motor (in front).

The i8 will hit the market next year and is expected to come in well above $100,000.

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

Also see the first i8 ride-along impressions at http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807896

Recent spy pics:

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DDS2015 · 04-18-2013, 09:50 AM

It looks like it handles well. But it doesn't look like its going that fast.

MrClean335i · 04-18-2013, 09:56 AM

looks slow

palpatine_us · 04-18-2013, 10:00 AM

Hopefully that was only at 60% of capability.

RogeM3 · 04-18-2013, 10:04 AM

looks like its slow, and it rolls.... funny how they cut the part where the car was about to be passed by an SUV, looked like a Ford Escape or something

StevenY. · 04-18-2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palpatine_us

Hopefully that was only at 60% of capability.

+1

abirmaher · 04-18-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogeM3

looks like its slow, and it rolls.... funny how they cut the part where the car was about to be passed by an SUV, looked like a Ford Escape or something

If im not mistaken that was a range rover that was out there for some testing, for some reason.

Jason · 04-18-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogeM3

looks like its slow, and it rolls.... funny how they cut the part where the car was about to be passed by an SUV, looked like a Ford Escape or something

There was not cutting of any part. That's just when our photographer happened to stop the recording.

SedateMe · 04-18-2013, 10:11 AM

I'm with everyone else, looks kinda slow. Not as much emotion as I'd expect from a track-going BMW. Even the F30/32 mules looked and sounded better than this.

Here's hoping this was just a simple test and not an indication of a gorgeously slow sports car.

Jason · 04-18-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abirmaher

If im not mistaken that was a range rover that was out there for some testing, for some reason.

Yep, rumored to be the Range Rover Sport R test mule.

mdosu · 04-18-2013, 10:17 AM

doesn't look slow to me....

dmboone25 · 04-18-2013, 10:17 AM

So this is what $125,000 will buy you, eh?

InTheNightKitchen · 04-18-2013, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDS2015

It looks like it handles well. But it doesn't look like its going that fast.

That exactly what I was thinking, either it can't or they're not pushing it as hard as other test mules.

Like what looked like the new Range Rover Sport in there

Roki_014 · 04-18-2013, 10:41 AM

i would pick 911 gt3 over it

GOLFFRR · 04-18-2013, 10:46 AM

cool

M5007 · 04-18-2013, 10:49 AM

+1

clbmw · 04-18-2013, 10:49 AM

It sounds awesome and it looks like its shaping up to be one pretty car. Feels weird reading 1.5 litre 3 pot and Â£100,000 on the same paragraph

richb811 · 04-18-2013, 10:55 AM

Sounds fantastic for a Hybrid! Although I wouldn't expect anything else from Munich.

It does look a little slow through the corners though, and the driver doesn't appear to be doing much late trail braking like the M3 test drivers were. Rear tires a bit skinny for my liking, but for the cars intended purpose probably ideal.

I do love the way it looks though. I was skeptical at first about this project but I think its shaping up to be a lot better than I initially anticipated.

Good job BMW.

SomeRandomer123 · 04-18-2013, 11:22 AM

That's a little disappointing, especially with the RR about to carve it up. I sincerely do hope that wasn't being driven anywhere near its limits.

The lesser powered, heavier and more comfortable four door saloon eats that for breakfast:

clbmw · 04-18-2013, 12:25 PM

If it is slow, I wonder what it'd be like with the rumoured 4 pot M2 engine in it... Near 500hp ///Mi8

1º · 04-18-2013, 12:27 PM

Was that the new Range Rover Sport Supercharged at 0:48?!?!

Sounds amazing!

Matski · 04-18-2013, 12:30 PM

Honestly, this is probably not going to be that quick as I see it, it's not got masses of power, and I'm sure it's lightweight by some standards, it's probably not 'lotus-light'.

I'm sure the skinnier tyres also help give the impression of driving on the edge, but at slower speeds.

I think it's a great car. But it's an expensive sporty looking car, that won'd go like other expensive sporty looking cars. It's a tough sell for BMW, even though it's technically, and aesthetically a great product.

04-18-2013, 08:39 AM	#1
Jason Administrator 46289 Rep 21,376 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Video: First Look at BMW i8 Performing on the Track (Nurbrugring) BIMMERPOST NEWS Video: First Look at BMW i8 Performing on the Track (Nurbrugring) 46 COMMENTS Tweet We have posted countless spy photos and videos of the upcoming BMW i8 hybrid sports car, but we've yet to spy it on an actual track... until now. BMW trotted this i8 mule out to the Nurburgring this week and we managed to capture it on the Nurburgring for the first time. The i8 is expected to boast 354hp / 500Nm torque, 0-62 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph, 78 MPG (european test cycle), up to 47 MPG average fuel consumption, with just 66g/km emissions, all from its 1.5L three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (in rear) with a 128hp electric motor (in front). The i8 will hit the market next year and is expected to come in well above $100,000. Catch our previous coverage of the BMW i8 @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/?s=i8 Also see the first i8 ride-along impressions at http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807896 Recent spy pics:
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04-18-2013, 09:50 AM	#2
DDS2015 Major 482 Rep 1,485 Posts Drives: 2018 M3CS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Winnipeg iTrader: (1) Garage List 2021 BMW X3 [10.00] 2023 BMW M4 [10.00]	It looks like it handles well. But it doesn't look like its going that fast.
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04-18-2013, 09:56 AM	#3
MrClean335i FBO+Methanol Injection 76 Rep 346 Posts Drives: M Sport 335i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	looks slow
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04-18-2013, 10:00 AM	#4
palpatine_us Banned 65 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 535i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Hopefully that was only at 60% of capability.
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04-18-2013, 10:04 AM	#5
RogeM3 Ultrasiete 20 Rep 280 Posts Drives: BMW E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Asheville, NC iTrader: (0)	looks like its slow, and it rolls.... funny how they cut the part where the car was about to be passed by an SUV, looked like a Ford Escape or something
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04-18-2013, 10:11 AM	#9
SedateMe Private First Class 6 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (1)	I'm with everyone else, looks kinda slow. Not as much emotion as I'd expect from a track-going BMW. Even the F30/32 mules looked and sounded better than this. Here's hoping this was just a simple test and not an indication of a gorgeously slow sports car. __________________ Sys Admin - Geek by day, Car enthusiast by night.
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04-18-2013, 10:17 AM	#11
mdosu Banned 342 Rep 8,495 Posts Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (6)	doesn't look slow to me....
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04-18-2013, 10:17 AM	#12
dmboone25 Lieutenant General 5071 Rep 10,233 Posts Drives: 718 Spyder RS / MKVIII Golf R Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 328i [10.00] 2007 328i [10.00]	So this is what $125,000 will buy you, eh? __________________ Past rides: 2022 718 Spyder, 2022 MINI JCW, 2016 981 BGTS, 2020 MINI JCW, 2017 F80, 2015 981 CS, 2014 F22 235, 2011 E82 135, 2008 E82 135, 2007 E92 328, 2007 E92 328 (My lady drives an OG M2. So does my dad)
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04-18-2013, 10:41 AM	#14
Roki_014 Major 385 Rep 1,319 Posts Drives: 2024 i5 M60 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	i would pick 911 gt3 over it
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04-18-2013, 10:46 AM	#15
GOLFFRR 11488 Rep 28,153 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	cool __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY MATT FIRST! Matt Sales:mlui@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-300-9713 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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04-18-2013, 10:49 AM	#16
M5007 Major 72 Rep 1,410 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 Competition Package Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	+1 __________________
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04-18-2013, 10:49 AM	#17
clbmw Major 652 Rep 1,496 Posts Drives: 320d M135i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	It sounds awesome and it looks like its shaping up to be one pretty car. Feels weird reading 1.5 litre 3 pot and Â£100,000 on the same paragraph
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04-18-2013, 10:55 AM	#18
richb811 513 Rep 4,590 Posts Drives: 2020 G20 330i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (21)	Sounds fantastic for a Hybrid! Although I wouldn't expect anything else from Munich. It does look a little slow through the corners though, and the driver doesn't appear to be doing much late trail braking like the M3 test drivers were. Rear tires a bit skinny for my liking, but for the cars intended purpose probably ideal. I do love the way it looks though. I was skeptical at first about this project but I think its shaping up to be a lot better than I initially anticipated. Good job BMW.
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04-18-2013, 11:22 AM	#19
SomeRandomer123 Colonel 342 Rep 2,612 Posts Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK iTrader: (0)	That's a little disappointing, especially with the RR about to carve it up. I sincerely do hope that wasn't being driven anywhere near its limits. The lesser powered, heavier and more comfortable four door saloon eats that for breakfast: __________________ Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!)
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04-18-2013, 12:25 PM	#20
clbmw Major 652 Rep 1,496 Posts Drives: 320d M135i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	If it is slow, I wonder what it'd be like with the rumoured 4 pot M2 engine in it... Near 500hp ///Mi8
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04-18-2013, 12:27 PM	#21
1º Captain 37 Rep 976 Posts Drives: 991TTs Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Was that the new Range Rover Sport Supercharged at 0:48?!?! Sounds amazing!
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04-18-2013, 12:30 PM	#22
Matski Captain 162 Rep 842 Posts Drives: A slow BMW Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: England iTrader: (0)	Honestly, this is probably not going to be that quick as I see it, it's not got masses of power, and I'm sure it's lightweight by some standards, it's probably not 'lotus-light'. I'm sure the skinnier tyres also help give the impression of driving on the edge, but at slower speeds. I think it's a great car. But it's an expensive sporty looking car, that won'd go like other expensive sporty looking cars. It's a tough sell for BMW, even though it's technically, and aesthetically a great product.
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