BMW i8

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   At first glance, the BMW i8 comes across as a sleekly designed sports car. The BMW i8 is a new kind of high-performance, high-priced coupe from the Bavarian manufacturer of the “ultimate driving machine”. But it’s far more than just another sports car. Aerodynamics play a key role in the design of the BMW i8. It promises not only to be fast and offer exceptional handling, but also to be notably fuel-efficient. The I8 is the second model in the “i” range of BMW plug-in cars. When a car looks this fast, it better live up to its appearance. The BMW i8 does just that, with help from its powerful, yet efficient Turbo 3–cylinder combustion engine situated at the rear axle. Driven by a six–speed automatic transmission, power and performance are truly at your fingertips. At lower speeds and in zero-emission urban areas, the i8 will run for up to 20 miles solely on electric power from a 7.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack located in the tunnel between the car's two seats. At higher speeds and for longer distances, the 220-hp engine produces torque of 220 lb-ft to drive the rear wheels. It's a new and fresh design for a sports coupe, and the BMW i8 carries styling to match its originality. BMW will bring a one-off i8 to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and the car is set to be auctioned by Gooding & Co. on August 16th. The hybrid is just going on sale now in the U.S. and features a carbon-fiber- and aluminum-intensive bodywork hiding some clever gas and electric power plants.