The Munich automaker took to Facebook to first publish their first teaser for the imminent roadster version of the i8 hybrid sports car. It shows a camouflaged prototype undergoing some wind tunnel testing.
Of course, unless BMW is planning to also roll out more significant exterior updates to the i8, the design (and therefore aerodynamics) of the roadster should be near identical to that of the hardtop with the roof up. Speaking of which, presumably to reduce weight and complexity, BMW has stuck with a fabric top.
Obviously, these visual updates will also trickle to the i8 coupe which should have its launch coincide with its roofless (targa?) twin. Aside from that, the 2018 refresh will also include improvements to chassis as well as its hybrid powertrain, with power reported to be boosted to around 300kW from its turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and electric motor (which produces 96kW/320Nm in the original version).
This should make the i8 an ideal car to cruise down a windswept coastline, taking in the surroundings in utter silence. We’re also guessing that the 7.1kWh lithium ion battery has been upgraded to store more energy, improving the i8’s 37km fully electric range and generally improving combined fuel efficiency.
The technology that BMW showed off in prior recent motor show, particularly pertaining to a more advanced iDrive infotainment, autonomous driving, and gesture-based driver interaction could possibly reach maturity fit for the production line once manufacturing starts.
Not much else is left to extrapolate with this new i8 Roadster as information still remains quite scarce. Unfortunately, the teaser doesn’t shed light on any new nuggets besides the fact that it is indeed coming into existence and that, expectedly, it will look quite similar to the production car originally unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.