Spy Shots: BMW i8 spotted winter testing

BMW doesn't seem to be too engaged in trying to hide what the company's new i8 supercar will look like when it arrives – in fact, it's been so kind as to leave the label on one of its prototypes. Our keen-eyed spy photographers managed to snap a few quick photos of the vehicle dashing through the snow in northern Sweden during a little cold-weather testing. The machine you see above will be the reigning monarch of the Bavarian automaker's new sub-brand, i, once it debuts.

Based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that starred at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the vehicle is said to pack 2+2 seating, a 0-62 mph time in the 4.8 second range and fuel economy of over 62 mpg U.S., along with a supercar price tag. Look to fork over around $200,000 when this beastie touches down.

There's been some indication that BMW will forgo the thrifty diesel engine of the concept in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline mill to work in coordination with a hybrid system. While that's bad news bears for diesel fans, the fact that BMW is gearing the platform toward gasoline means that this vehicle will more than likely show up on American shores.

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-i...shots/#3954446







http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/s...inter-testing/

 

wow.

This is actually pretty cool that they're weather testing this.

 

This car confuses me. Is that seriously how it's going to look like, what with glass doors and all, in production?

And 200k$ for a car that doesnt' seem to have any particularly noteworthy specs besides glass doors? Really?

 

whats up with those tailights?

 

I guess 62 mpg is a little noteworthy for a supercar.

 

It supposed to be near 300hp, and supposedly gets 62mph.

Personally, the rear fender area above wheel arch looks really weird. That just doesn't look production ready.

 

But it's not even a supercar, it's 2+2 sedan with weird doors. 0-60 in 4.8s and 300hp isn't what I would call supercar either, especially at the 200k$ range...

The Fisker Karma does 0-60 in 5.7s with 400hp and gets 70mpg for half the price and triple the exclusivity and elegance. Tesla Model S does 0-60 in 5.5s with no gas at all for a quarter of the price.

 

This car is ugly as sin, and looks extremely unsafe with those doors--how well would they hold up in a side impact? All this for $200k?

 

It is looking really ugly and to it having a hybrid powertrain. I hope this is not going to be the Z8 replacement M1 type supercar/hardcore sports car some have been saying BMW is working on. It is surprising that a company with so much credential in performance/handling does not offer a single dedicated sports car and unfortunate they now have so many different CUV type vehicles in their lineup now. Over 200K is ridiculous especially considering the weak performance numbers and specs.

 

it will sell...

i think it's hawt

 

$200k? i'll pass.

But there will be takers. i guarantee it. lol

 

I agree with killa and bit- there will be buyers for this car. it doesn't look too bad, but for the price- the performance numbers aren't super car like...

 

I think it looks kind of cool. I need to see one in person though.

 

i think it looks cool!
but i agree, i'm not sure what qualifies it as a supercar, although it does have the looks of one imo.