BMW i8 hits development challenges, say BMW officials

Release Date: 2014
MSRP: $135,925 US
Battery Pack Size: 7.2 kWh
Electric Range: 22 miles estimated
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A BMW spokesman has said that incorporating the carbon fiber reinforced plastic body shell (the same method used in the BMW i3) into the i8 convertible design is proving problematic.

The last architecture presented some fairly major challenges, to be able to produce a convertible in that format. The rigidity was hard to find with that particular architecture.

According to Autocar.co.uk, the spokesman also confirmed that there is “no set time frame” for when the i8 Spyder will reach the market. Previously, it was widely reported that the BMW i8 Spyder would launch in late 2015. At the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, BMW said the i8 Spyder would make production in 2015, but these challenges seem to threaten that timeframe.

The i8 Spyder will use the same powertrain as the coupe model, with 228hp and a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds.

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2 Comments on "BMW i8 hits development challenges, say BMW officials"

  1. i8 is looking so good! Looking forward to its launch!

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