BMW has released a series of videos that highlight the development of the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.
Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the i8 is designed to become the "most progressive sports car
of our time." To help it achieve that special status, the car was subjected to extensive wind tunnel testing to ensure high-speed stability and minimal drag. While designers and engineers have different points of view, BMW's head of aerodynamics said the close working relationship is an important part of the development process.
As we have previously reported, the i8 features a 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor that develops 131 HP (96 kW) and roughly 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the car to have a combined 362 HP (266 kW) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque which allows it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The model can also drive up to 35 km (22 miles) on electricity alone at speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph). PHOTOS of our time." To help it achieve that special status, the car was subjected to extensive wind tunnel testing to ensure high-speed stability and minimal drag. While designers and engineers have different points of view, BMW's head of aerodynamics said the close working relationship is an important part of the development process.
Source: BMW
