Well, that didn’t take long – not long after launching the facelifted i8 coupe to the local market, BMW Malaysia has introduced the Roadster variant earlier today. This is the latest variant for the i8 although the earliest concept idea was first revealed in 2012 in Beijing.
The soft-top roof folds at the touch of a button in just 15 seconds even when the car is moving at speeds of up to 50kph. A few additional things happen once the roof is stowed too, namely that the rear window is raised by 30mm that functions as a wind deflector to reduce wind buffeting and turbulence for occupants (all two of em’). Additionally, the height of the rear window is adjustable.
Personally, this is how the i8 Roadster should look – with the roof down. It truly makes the car’s bold lines and creases pop out, and gives the already-sporty stance added aggression. A nice detail for the car is the ‘Roadster’ lettering attached on the C-pillar.
The i8 Roadster, as with the Coupe, comprises of an aluminium chassis and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) passenger cell that is designed not only to offer best possible handling, but also a lighter weight and safety. The frameless gull-wing doors are of a new design and also made from CFRP with an aluminium outer shell. Unladen (which means without weight of passengers, cargo, or fuel) the BMW i8 Roadster tips the scale at 1,595kg.
There’s nothing new to the powertrain, but that’s not at all saying it’s ‘conventional’. There are two power sources (electric motor and combustion engine), with the motor’s output going to the front wheels while the engine powers the rears. This hybrid-specific AWD system is managed by the car’s intelligent energy management. Need more juice? The three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine is also a high-voltage starter generator that can generate additional reserves of electricity. And let’s not forget that the i8 is also a plug-in hybrid, so it is made for efficiency. We’re talking about a combined fuel consumption of 2.0-litre/100km.
BMW claims that the i8 Roadster has an electric range of 53 kilometres.
Not bad considering that it goes as fast as it looks – 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds. Total output is 374hp, while torque from the engine alone is 320Nm. The electric motor, meanwhile, makes 250Nm.
The BMW i8 Roadster is priced at RM1,508,800.
