Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 29 2017 12:25 PM EST / 9:25 AM PST …
Today, the BMW i8 Roadster just turned up. I mean allure of sustainable driving poised to enter another new dimension as BMW introduced the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster. That’s matching BMW eDrive technology with the Ultimate Driving Machine. Likewise, the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster takes the BMW i8’s combine locally emission-free mobility. More importantly, high-caliber performance. In addition it adds the top-down driving experience.
Similarly, the Roadster offers a whole new sensation of freedom.
As a result, opening the door to virtually silent driving with zero CO2 emissions. Also bringing an extra edge of purity to open-air driving. An optimized BMW eDrive technology means more power. For the total output increased to 369 hp (+12 hp). Therefore a faster and refined high-voltage battery. All with increased capacity and range. So the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster and BMW i8 Coupe. For it can cover up to 18 miles (preliminary) in purely electric driving.
AWD PHEV
First of all with hybrid-specific all-wheel drive and combustion engine driving the rear wheels. Likewise the electric motor driving the front wheels with acceleration 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.2/4.4 seconds. These are preliminary Coupe and Roadster respectively with both reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Following the world première of the first-ever 2019 BMW i8 Roadster at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2017. Sales commencing in spring 2018. Simultaneously, the new 2019 BMW i8 Coupe also available at certified BMW centers. Comes with both models offering LifeDrive vehicle architecture designed for BMW i cars.
Price to be announced closer to market launch.
Aluminum Drive Module
The aluminum Drive module combines the powertrain, high-voltage battery, suspension, crash system and structural functions. All while the Life module takes the form of a passenger cell. One made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster also benefits from a light-weight construction, complete with low center of gravity and even weight distribution.
The BMW i8 Roadster: two-seater with electrically operated soft-top roof and added on-board storage space.
Passengers inside the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster can either enjoy the open sky or a high-quality. Also all-season fabric soft-top with more sound proofing. The electrically operated convertible top, opens and closes. That’s in less than 16 seconds and while the vehicle is in motion at up to 31 mph.
Intelligent lightweight design and innovative production technology also play a key role constructing the soft-top.
For example, aluminum elements connecting the roof mechanism with the body of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster produced in a new 3D printing process. This manufacturing method for aluminum components breaks new ground in the automotive industry and allows the topologically optimized bracing to be produced in a geometric form, which would not be possible using conventional casting techniques and ensures an ideal balance between part rigidity and weight.
Underpinning
Underpinning this new level of locally emission-free electric mobility is the updated version of the lithium-ion battery developed for the BMW i8. The high-voltage unit is located centrally in the car’s underbody and its cell capacity is up from 20 to 34 Ah and gross energy capacity from 7.1 to 11.6 kilowatt hours (kWh, net energy capacity: 9.4 kWh). Plus, the cell configuration allows a 12 hp increase in peak output to 141 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, lacing quick sprints on pure-electric power with an even sharper streak of dynamism.
All electric range of the i8 has also been increased.
The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster and BMW i8 Coupe can cover up to 18 miles (preliminary) in purely electric driving. And that broadens the reach of all-electric mobility well beyond the city limits.
The BMW i8 Roadster: emotion-stirring design promises an intense driving experience and unadulterated freedom.
The B-pillars of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster emblazoned with beautifully made model-specific badges bearing the inscription “Roadster”. A similar logo can be found on the tail of the sporty two-seater.
New exterior paint finishes, exclusive light-alloy wheels.
The design cues common to both the new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster include the gullwing doors that open forwards and upwards as well as optimized aerodynamics. The low hood, BMW kidney grille, air flap control system, Air Curtains in the front apron, flat underbody, contoured side skirts, “stream flow” lines of the car’s flanks, and air ducts between the rear lights and roof frame allow the air to be guided effectively. Also the flow of cooling air at the front of each model has now been re-routed.
Instead of rushing out through the outlet in the hood. Thereby the air escapes at the sides of the car near the wheel arches and into the underbody. Finally, this also ensures a pleasant cabin temperature maintained . Especially when travelling in the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster most noteworthy, with the roof down.
E-Copper Metallic
E-Copper metallic and also Donington Grey metallic added to the choice of exterior paint finishes. That’s available for the new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster. Both combined with accents in Frozen Grey metallic.
The BMW i8 Coupe also includes a model-specific design feature indicating its identity: “Coupe” badging on its B-pillars.
Innovative interior design in a range of new looks. The progressive style of the BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster also shines through clearly in their interior design.
Amazing Interior
Standard specification for both models includes a sports steering wheel and multifunctional instrument display. That’s plus Giga interior trim comprising full-leather upholstery in Ivory White for the Coupe and Ivory White/Black for the Roadster. Giga interior trim can alternatively be specified in dark Amido for both models and there is also a Halo interior trim featuring cloth/leather upholstery in a Carum/Dalbergia color scheme.
New to the portfolio for the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster and new BMW i8 Coupe is Tera World Copper interior trim, a high-end option featuring cloth/leather upholstery in an Amido/E-Copper color scheme.
The new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster powered by a drive duo in the form of a hybrid synchronous electric motor and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology 1,499 cc 3-cylinder gasoline engine (228 hp and 236 lb-ft).
6 Speed
The engine’s power channeled to the rear wheels through a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
All the while an electric motor propels the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox. The result is a hybrid-specific all-wheel-drive system that glues the car to the road.
A refined high-voltage battery and an electric motor with more power. The constant process of development has enhanced the performance capabilities offered by BMW’s eDrive technology. The energy capacity of the latest version of the model-specific lithium-ion battery is far greater, battery cell capacity having increased from 20 to 34 ampere hours (Ah) and gross energy capacity from 7.1 to 11.6 kilowatt hours (kWh, net energy capacity: 9.4 kWh). This advance rooted primarily in advances made to the battery cell technology, which in turn stem from the BMW Group’s ever-increasing expertise in the field of electrical energy storage.
Furthermore, these extra energy reserves have made it possible to raise the electric motor’s peak output by 12 hp to 141 hp.
The battery cells’ higher capacity means that all-electric driving can be increased substantially. Especially and even in hybrid mode. With the default driving mode engaged, both the new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster are capable of pulling away and reaching speeds of up to 65 mph purely on the electric motor’s power, making it possible to drive with zero local emissions. And if the eDrive button pressed, the all-electric threshold of both models increased to 75 mph.
So the new high-voltage battery benefits the electric range of the two plug-in hybrid sports cars too.
Also, the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster and BMW i8 Coupe can cover up to 18 miles in purely electric driving without counting regen. MEH!!
So a three-cylinder gasoline engine with improved sound and lower emissions. Also, the i8’s combustion engine has also undergone further optimization. As a result, it’s ready for the new Coupe and Roadster.
Furthermore, the turbocharged three-cylinder unit featuring direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing extracts a maximum output of 228 hp. That’s from its displacement of just 1.5 liters, plus peak torque of 236 lb-ft.
The system output produced by the electric motor and gasoline engine acting in unison has increased to 369 hp in the new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster. The new BMW i8 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (preliminary), while the first ever BMW i8 Roadster accelerates in 4.4 seconds (preliminary). Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Whoa!!
So combined fuel economy in everyday driving, both models return fuel economy and emissions figures that undercut those for conventionally powered sports cars. All with similar outputs by around 50 per cent, yielding about 70 MPGe (preliminary figures). However folks, I got that as the MPG on the LAST i8!! SO what happened? More speed??? Idk
This blend of dynamism and efficiency is further honed by the intelligent energy management’s proactive function. When the navigation system’s route guidance function activated, the energy management ensures the electric motor employed as extensively and as wisely as possible from an efficiency point of view. The system analyses the route in full and prompts the powertrain management to run on purely electric power, particularly over low-speed sections of the journey.
BMW i8 Roadster also standard on both models is Dynamic Damper Control. A BMW stronghold. Ensuring the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster boasts all the plug-in hybrid sports car’s hallmark handling and performance qualities.
Most noteworthy, the unladen weight of the new BMW i8 Roadster stands at 3,513 pounds. Therefore just 132 pounds more in about terms than that of the new BMW i8 Coupe (preliminary figures). Also heavy and hugging the ground (if questioning stability).
Controls, equipment, BMW Connected, ConnectedDrive and 360° ELECTRIC. Both the display and control concept and the equipment of the new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster serve to enhance their exhilarating sports car feel and the intense hybrid driving experience. As well as its multifunction buttons, the leather sports steering wheel also comes with shift paddles for changing gear manually, while the standard heated seats for the driver and front passenger are electrically adjustable.
When it comes to driver assistance systems, the BMW i8 Coupe and BMW i8 Roadster are both equipped as standard with a model-specific BMW Head-Up Display. When the driver is shifting gears manually in SPORT mode, this switches to a sport display that adds an rpm readout. Also a gear indicator and Optimum Shift Indicator. In addition and included as standard are a cruise control system with braking function.
Also the Driving Assistant Package including Surround View. This system comprises Frontal Collision warning with City Collision Mitigation Daytime Pedestrian Protection Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, Automatic Highbeams, Speed Limit Info and Cross Traffic Alert and Side and Top View Cameras.
These include intelligent route planning, complete with refueling stops at a charging station or filling station.
360° ELECTRIC: new charging cable, BMW i Charging Station. 360° ELECTRIC is a range of products and services that help make electric mobility a convenient, everyday experience.
The functionality of the standard charging cable supplied with the first ever BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster optimized. Also it includes a temperature sensor. Charging at home is extremely user-friendly thanks to the BMW i Charging Station which can supply 7.2 kW of power to charge the high-voltage battery and can fully charge it in under 3 hours. Drivers with a registered ChargeNow card have unrestricted access to the world’s largest network of public charging station
Finally, BMW Original Accessory: BMW TurboCord™ EV Charger. Now available as a BMW Original Accessory the BMW TurboCord™ Electric Vehicle Charger can be purchased at certified BMW Centers for $499 MSRP.
This premium charging solution finally provides BMW i and BMW iPerformance drivers with the greatest charging experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, one flexible dual-voltage (120 V / 240 V) ability and nearly three-times faster charging. Therefore all in the smallest, lightest UL-listed portable charger available.
The BMW TurboCord™ EV Charger components have been specifically engineered by BMW. Therefore to meet BMW Group standards and requirements.
One featuring a convenient 20 ft charging cord. For it provides two chargers in one. Level 1 charging is readily available when plugged into any 120 V outlet and it also allows customers to charge up-to at 3.6 kW, nearly three-times faster than the standard occasional use cable (OUC) when used with a 240 V outlet (NEMA 6-20).
Also integrated are such latest safety features as unit and plug temperature monitoring, automatic shut-off and a rugged, waterproof, submersible enclosure (NEMA 6P) that enables users to safely and reliably charge indoor and outdoors.
