Previewed by several concept cars and prototypes, the BMW i8 was introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and was ultimately put into production in 2014. Deliveries to U.S. customers began in August of 2014. The i8 is BMW’s second mass-produced hybrid after the i3, which arrived in dealerships in late 2013. In 2015, global sales of the BMW i8 exceeded the combined figure of all other hybrid sports cars produced by other manufacturers, an impressive feat for a vehicle that costs well in excess of $100,000.

Much like every other nameplate out there, the i8 has also spawned a number of limited-edition models. After launching the Protonic Red Edition at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the German firm prepared a follow up for the 2016 Paris Motor Show. It goes by the name Protonic Dark Silver Edition, and much like its predecessor, it comes with a batch of unique features on top of the i8's already comprehensive equipment list.

The new special-edition sports car will be available for a limited time, with production to commence by the end of 2016. Keep reading to find out what makes it special and stay tuned for updates from the Paris Motor Show in just a couple of weeks.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW i8 Protonic Dark Silver Edition.

2017 BMW i8 Protonic Dark Silver Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 BMW i8 Protonic Dark Silver Edition
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What makes the BMW i8 Protonic Dark Silver Edition special

Much like the Protonic Red Edition before it, the Protonic Dark Silver Edition's main feature is its exterior color. As the name suggests, the sports car is finished in Protonic Dark Silver, a new and exclusive hue available on this model only. At least for now. Beyond the fancy name, the color is a dark shade of grey with a slight hint of blue to it. It's definitely unique among other colors in BMW's current palette, and likely changes shades depending on lights. The dark paint is highlighted by the i8's standard black inserts in the front bumper, front hood, side skirts, and rear fascia, as well as the Frozen Grey Metallic kidney grille and the W-spoke light-alloy wheels in Orbit Grey Metallic.

BMW had nothing to say about the interior and there are no pictures to run by, but if the Protonic Red Edition is any indication, the Protonic Dark Silver version should also sport a few exclusive features inside the cabin. Look for "Protonic Dark Silver Edition" lettering on the door sills, "i8" embossing on the head restraints, contrast stitching on the seats and door panels, and plenty of carbon-fiber inserts on the dashboard and center console.

Unlike the exterior and interior, the drivetrain of the Protonic Dark Silver Edition remains standard, pairing the same 1.5-liter, three-cylinder, gasoline engine and synchronous motor. The turbocharged three-pot cranks out 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor generates 129 horses and 184 pound-feet. Total output sits at 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet and enables the i8 to charge from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds. The car can travel up to 372 miles on both gasoline and electric power and 22 miles on electricity alone.

There's no word as to how much this special-edition will cost, but expect it to fetch a bit more than the standard i8, which retails from $140,700 in the U.S. As far as availability goes, BMW says the order book will stay open for a limited time, until the start of 2017. Production will begin in December 2016.