BMW has revealed its new i8 supercar. It’s very clever, too, boasting a four-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a dual-clutch gearbox. BMW’s buzz words for the i8, which is still officially a concept, are ‘forward-looking, intelligent and innovative’.
 
A 129bhp, 184lb ft electric motor drives the front axle while a 220bhp, 221lb ft three-cylinder petrol engine powers the rear wheels. The 349bhp and 405lb ft combination of the two serves up a 0-62mph time of 4.6sec, which is only a few tenths of a second slower than a V8-powered Audi R8. BMW also claims 104mpg fuel economy and 66g/km of CO2 emissions. For comparison, that R8 offers up 20mpg and 332g/km…
 
The small-cylinder engine and electric combination isn’t the sole reason for such low consumption and emission figures. The BMW i8 boasts lots of other impressive technology. Carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) features heavily in the car’s construction, so it weighs around the same as a family car at 1480kg. There’s also variable brake energy recuperation, a stop-start system and on-demand operation of the electric steering, air con and other features, saving energy use wherever possible.
 
It should be good to drive, too, with 50:50 weight distribution, the BMW range’s lowest centre of gravity and double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension all aiding dynamics.
 
No price has yet been announced for the i8, which goes on sale in 2013. But with BMW’s M division planning a proper Audi R8 rival, expect the more technology packed i8 to be priced comfortably above the £100,000 mark.

The M3 CRT previews use of carbonfibre tech in BMWs. Video below...