[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

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

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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:

[DDS2015]

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

[MrClean335i]

looks slow

[palpatine_us]

Hopefully that was only at 60% of capability.

[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

[StevenY.]

Originally Posted by palpatine_us

Hopefully that was only at 60% of capability.

+1

[abirmaher]

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]

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]

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]

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]

doesn't look slow to me....

[dmboone25]

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

[InTheNightKitchen]

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]

i would pick 911 gt3 over it

[GOLFFRR]

cool

[M5007]

+1

[clbmw]

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

[richb811]

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]

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]

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

[1º]

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

Sounds amazing!

[Matski]

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.