BMW has released a new video that shows off the first graduates of its i sub-brand on the streets of Chicago. Last summer, BMW took the upcoming i3 all-electric car and the i8 hybrid sportscar to the Windy City for a photoshoot showcasing their practicality and appeal.
The short video not only shows the two cars rolling down the streets of Chicago, but also gives a glance into the DriveNow mobile platform that will help the i-owners to find plug-in charging stations, parking and other amenities.
BMW i3 goes on sale, as a mainstream vehicle, in 2013, followed by the more exclusive i8 a year later. While not officially confirmed, we have hear that in the United States, the BMW i8 will be priced around $160,000.
The i3 is built with a light CFRP body structure and rides on a predominantly aluminum chassis. The i3 produces 168 horsepower and 184lb ft of torque, and it has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 s. BMW i3 measures 3845mm in length, 2011mm in width and 1537mm in height. The plug-in system is a compact electric motor mounted over the rear axle. It draws energy from the battery to provide drive to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.
The i8 Concept combines the advantages of two different drive systems – an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The electric motor is not a secondary power source, but rather an equal partner of the internal 1.5 liter gasoline combustion engine.
A 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time comes under five seconds, with a combined fuel consumption in the European test cycle of less than 3 liters/100 km (78 MPG) and average real fuel consumption of between five and seven liters (33 – 47 MPG).
Both cars will be unveiled in final production form in 2013.
