The German brand demonstrated in Los Angeles a hybrid i8 performed by Ultimate Sophisto Editions. In total, the manufacturer will release 200 of these machines.
Previously, BMW Corporation said that the electric roadster will stop producing in the near future. According to the representatives of the brand, the hybrid i8 Ultimate Sophisto Editions should mark the end of the mass release of the model.
The BMW i8 is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine, which is combined with an electric motor and a starter-generator. The total performance of the power unit is 374 hp. (570 Nm). The car accelerates to the first "hundred" in 4.4 or 4.6 seconds (depending on the body). On electric traction, the i8 can travel up to 55 km, and for 100 km of the way it spends 1.8 liters.
The BMW i8 Coupe and Roadster are offered in Sophisto GrayBrilliant Effect shades with a touch of E-Copper or the 2-color Black and E-Copper. Auto acquired 20-inch wheels and taillights of a very unique shape. The hybrid model also has an optional Shadow Linec kit consisting of black decorative elements, a projection screen, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
The production of new items should begin at the end of this year.
BMW hinted at autonomous model BMW M
The management of the unit does not say anything concrete about the alleged new product, confining itself to intriguing hints.
The BMW M division can release the “pearl" of its lineup - the advanced BMW M model with autonomous technologies and some electrification. This was written by foreign media with reference to the head of the sports division of BMW M Marcus Flash. This is not about an official statement, but so far only about serious hints that were sounded at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
“I can think of creating autonomous M-cars - I like the idea, and I think that we will do something in this direction,” said Markus Flash about the possible flagship of the unit.
According to him, it is not at all necessary that the novelty will appear in the image of a supercar with an average engine location. The main thing is that the flagship BMW M stand out from the crowd and amaze. The future novelty, in all likelihood, will differ from the hybrid concept Vision M Next, which the public accepted very favorably. When asked whether the BMW M will appear in the form of an SUV, Flash answered evasively. There are certain developments on this model, but he is not going to disclose them.
Experts expect to see the production version of the BMW M only by 2021. The alleged auto-novelty, most likely, will be electrified and will acquire autonomous technologies. It will be too early to say whether the autonomous car M will be the production version of the concept Vision M In any case, the unit is interested in producing an original and modern car.