While the future of the BMW i-sub-brand is very uncertain at this point, the i8 Concept is still making strides by winning the title of the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year. The selection process involved a total of 34 vehicles and the juries more than likely chose vehicles that would shape the future of the automobile industry in the way they would like to see it.

Now back to the winner. The BMW i8 Concept previews a futuristic hybrid vehicle set to arrive sometime in 2013. The production version will combine a 1.5 liter inline 3-cylinder engine with two electric motors that produce an output of 95 HP each. The final output will be in the 400 HP area.

"With lines that remind me of icy water in a mountain stream, the BMW i8 takes open top driving into a new realm of environmental responsibility, with the mission of the ultimate driving machine firmly embedded," said juror Bill Schaffer. Juror Chris Poole states: "The i8 concept wraps innovative construction and powertrain technologies in a functional, eye-catching new design language that will be exclusive to the upcoming eco sub-brand it previews. It's an impressive blend of supercar style and speed with future-oriented mpg and emissions performance."

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