Featuring removable top panels and a redesigned B-pillar to accommodate the drop-top roof, the i8 Spyder nonetheless retains the same spectacular dihedral doors of the regular coupe version.
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BMW is finally producing its hybrid i8 Spyder concept auto after first unveiling it to the public in 2012, according to German newspaper Handelsblatt.
Previous rumors suggested the Spyder could come with a retractable soft top of some sort, but apparently these rumors are false since BMW’s current CEO, Harald Kruger, confirmed to German media of the production i8’s near-100% resemblance to the concept.
Its mix of avant-garde styling, sports vehicle performance, high-tech engineering, (almost) saintly emissions and comparatively low running costs have seen it sell out in Britain and enjoy a year-long waiting list.
BMW are expected to showcase the technology used in the new concept i8 convertible at CES 2016 next month and we may get to find out what plans BMW has for the cars roof.
The year 2012 seems like centuries ago at this point, especially for BMW, who has gone through countless teasers, concepts, and brand new models since then. While the i8 coupe went on sale in the U.S.as a 2015 model, BMW quickly let the i8 Spyder slip down its list of priorities. BMW says the i8 Coupé can reach 62mph in 4.4 seconds – a figure the Spyder is expected to match. The i8 combines a 1.5-litre, 230-horsepower petrol engine driving the rear wheels with a 130hp electric motor powering the front, giving a total of 360hp and four-wheel-drive.
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The £105,000 coupe is one of two cars now in BMWs “i” stable, alongside the smaller – and much more affordable – i3.
