Is This Really The Future? - Thoughts on Cars (BMW i8)

 

Think about it, the only hybrids that petrolheads like are the McLaren P1, the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918. But these are not to everyone's pockets. 

   The Germans may have found the recipe to change all of that, the 3 cylinder 1.5L mid-engined turbocharged i8. When in eDrive mode the i8 is a 129hp FWD electric car with a top speed of 120kph (75mph) and a 37km (23 mile) range, change to Confort mode and it becomes an hybrid and the range goes up to 498km (310 miles).

   But the petrolhead friendly stuff comes when you move the gear shifter from "D" to "S", this transforms the eco-friendly car into the sports car from the future.

 

The electric and internal combustion engines work togheter to produce 357hp and 420lb of torque. These take the 1485kg car to 100kph (60mph) in 4.4sec and give it the limited top speed of 250kph (155mph). 

   It isn't really a car for everyone to buy because it is still a bit pricey but it is all of the right things a good sports car should be. It is light, it has a nice power delivery and it looks good.

    If this is the future, bring it on! Overdrive approves it!