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BMW’s supercar, the M1, was sold between 1978 to 1981 as the only mid-engined BMW to be mass produced. But you’d expect more from a maker like BMW, right? And with all the competition on the market, BMW had to do something about it, so they decided to put the Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show into production. It’s not the first time we hear about the possibility of the Vision Efficient Dynamics going into production, but today we have more details about the production version: the i8. And while the concept is powered by a three cylinder turbo diesel power plant combined with two electric motors, the i8 will be offered in both electric and hybrid versions. Rumors suggest that the Project i Coupe won’t be flying solo as BMW may be panning on an M version for this future model and it will most likely be called the M1. UPDATE 03/14/11: The BMW i8 hybrid sports coupe was recently spotted by Bimmerpost undergoing cold-weather testing somewhere in Northern Europe. Word has it that the i8 hybrid sports coupe will now come with a gas engine as opposed to the previously held position of diesel engine variants. According to BMW’s research and development chief, Klaus Draeger, the company has big plans for the i8 sports hybrid coupe, one that involves being sold not just in Europe, but all over the world. Sounds good to hear, if you ask us. While we wait for the production version to arrive sometime in 2013, we can pass time by checking out these three testing videos after the jump. UPDATE 05/27/11: BMW has unveiled a new video of the i8 set to be revealed in 2013. The video was filmed in Abu Dhabi and illustrates yet again what a cool car the i8 will be. Hit the jump for the video. UPDATE 02/14/12: The upcoming BMW i8 has been caught testing one more time, this time revealing its gullwing doors. Exterior and InteriorWhen BMW first announced it’s plans to put the Vision Efficient Dynamics into production, a company source said: "there will be less of the synthetic glass and more solid structure added to the final design." How can this be translated? The i8 will be built on an aluminum chassis which houses the powertrain and the passenger cell. This cell consists of high-strength, but extremely lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). It will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant starting 2013. The car’s front will be defined by the now famous kidney grille and two large air intakes. The gullwing doors will be replaced by standard ones and the rear will get a quad exhaust system. For the interior we expect the usual M accessories: sports leather seats, a sports steering wheel, and different aluminum inserts. The EngineThe Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept was powered by a three cylinder turbo diesel power plant combined with two electric motors for a maximum output of 356 HP and 590 lb-ft of peak torque. For the i8, BMW will combine a 1.5 liter inline 3 engine with two electric motors with an output of 95 HP each. The final output will be in the 400 HP area. BMW will offer both RWD and AWD versions, with the hybrid version being offered only as an AWD model. The engine will be mated to a new double clutch transmission and will sprint the future supercar from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds. The company has promised a fuel economy of 58 MPG and an autonomy of 400 kilometers. The bad news, though, is that top speed will be limited to only 155 mph, but we’re sure tuners will have something to say about this. As for the M version, it is rumored to be powered by an Inline 6 turbo engine or V8 engine with an output of 450 HP. The engine will be combined with two "supercaps" that will add a total of 100 HP each. And if you do a little math you’ll understand why we can’t wait to see the Project i Coupe when it goes into production.   When Can I Get One?The BMW Project i Coupe will go on sale in 2013. In Germany, it is rumored to be priced between 125,000 and 175,000 euro (between $175,000 and $250,000 at the current exchange rates). BMW announced it will produce around 30,000 units within 5 years. The CompetitionThe BMW project i Coupe will take on models like the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the Audi R8 V10, and the Porsche 911 Turbo. All of them are German models and all develop more than 500 HP. Not to mention that all of them have prices bigger than any normal person can ever afford. So, for those out there who can actually afford one, we believe the final decision will be made depending on everyone’s likes and tastes. Test Videos:37 comments: BMW i8 It has a very nice body design and seems like riding on it feels like you’re on your trip for a vacation for a summer holiday. Very cool. It a good thing that the BMW makers will produce thousands and not only hundreds of it.
 It has a very nice body design and seems like riding on this feels like you’re on your trip for a vacation for a summer holiday. Very cool. It’s a good thing that the BMW makers will produce thousands and not only hundreds of it.
 I just only love the unique design of this BMW i8, most especially with the front design of this but me either, I feel so tired and disappointed with this electric car concept. I just don’t find it so practical to use.
 thats friggin dumb about they r remving the gulwing doors and the glass the car just all its aspects in looking amazing plus u can prote the car looking like tron then come out with some knock off
 But the are not yet done with the M3 lightweight concept and yet they are now about to release a new concept. What do we need expect next BMW?
 :Honestly, I’m getting tired of these electric cars. And I find this car so unreliable! Oh please, car manufacturer study further this concept.
 Even if M3 production is on going and it sell well in the market, BMW decided to come up with a new production the M1, that comes with limited unit and cheaper units so that it wouldn’t hurt the sales of the M3.
 I can’t really wait to see how this car would turn out. I am hoping that BMW would be really able to deliver on the promises of this car, since it really looks good.
 The i8 is actually looking good basing from those videos. I wonder how the final car would actually perform on those conditions, that would certainly be a must see.
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Posted on
02.14.2012 @ 01:53