PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
The new limited edition BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition
Fri Feb 12 01:05:00 CET 2016 Press Release
• A limited production model offering more individuality to the already successful BMW i8.• Top speed of 155mph, yet 49g/km and 134.5mpg. • Priced from £112,535 OTR.
Press Contact.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
Tel: +44-1252-92-1809
send an e-mail
First showcased as the Vision EfficentDynamics concept at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, the production ready BMW i8 has gone from strength to strength with over 5,400 units sold in 2015 alone. With its clever hybrid drivetrain, the i8 boasts an output of 362hp and can also cover close to 23 miles in electric only mode. It also takes BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy to a new high, posting emissions of just 49g/km and a combined consumption figure of 134.5mpg in the process.
Model |
| Power Hp | Torque Nm | 0 – 62mph Seconds | Top Speed Mph | CO2 Emissions g/km |
BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition | £112,535 | 362* | 570* | 4.4 | 155** | 49 |
*Combined system output ** Electronically-limited
Available for a limited period only, the new special edition BMW
i8 Protonic Red Edition puts a new angle on the immediately
recognisable BMW i model. The paintwork, created exclusively for this
sports car comes in a Protonic Red finish with Frozen Grey metallic
accents. The colour scheme is complemented by BMW W-spoke 470
light-alloy wheels painted in Orbit Grey metallic with hubs painted in
Aluminium matt and mixed-size tyres (front: 215 R20, rear: 245/40).
On the interior, the special edition i8 comes with high-class
red double-stitching and exclusive carbon fibre and ceramic trims. The
exterior and interior design of the i8 are heavily influenced by its
LifeDrive architecture and pioneering BMW eDrive system, however its
reinterpretation of established design features ensures it’s still
recognisable as a BMW.
The structure of overlapping and interlocking surfaces also
contributes to the unmistakable appearance of the BMW i8 Protonic Red
Edition. This layering principle allows aerodynamic forms to be
wrapped up in a progressively styled package, while powerfully formed
wheel arches draw attention to the wide track of the BMW i8. The
dihedral doors open forwards and upwards, adding intrigue to the
sports car design of the BMW i8.
The BMW i8 was purposefully-designed as a plug-in-hybrid sports
car offering agile performance, near 50:50 weight distribution and
outstanding efficiency. It starts with an exceptionally lightweight
and aerodynamically optimised body – including a passenger cell made
from CFRP. It includes an advanced BMW eDrive drive system technology,
a compact, highly turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and intelligent energy management to
all come together to create an overall package that represents a new
landmark in the EfficientDynamics development strategy.
The original i8 was also the first BMW production model to be
powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine. This turbocharged unit is
equipped with the latest-generation BMW TwinPower Turbo technology
with high-precision injectors positioned between the valves, along
with VALVETRONIC. This 1.5-litre engine in the BMW i8 develops 231hp
and drives the rear wheels, while a maximum torque of 320Nm is
available from 3,700rpm.
The car’s second power source is a 96 kW/131hp hybrid
synchronous electric motor which sends its power to the front axle.
The motor develops 250Nm torque from a standstill. As well as
providing a power boost to assist the petrol engine during
acceleration, the electric motor can also power the vehicle by itself
with a range in everyday driving of up to 23 miles and a top speed of
75mph on electric power alone, drawing its energy from a lithium-ion
battery. The high-voltage battery has a liquid cooling system, offers
a maximum usable capacity of five kilowatt hours and can be recharged
from a conventional household power socket, at a BMW i Wallbox or at a
public charging station.
The combustion engine and electric motor, battery pack, power
electronics, chassis components, and structure and crash functions are
arranged together in the aluminium Drive module, while the central
element of the Life module is the 2+2-seater’s CFRP passenger cell.
The battery unit is positioned low down in a central position,
helping to give the car a low centre of gravity and enhance safety
accordingly. Indeed, the centre of gravity of the BMW i8 is less than
460mm from the ground, making it lower than any other current
BMW Group model. And this, like the car’s almost exact 50:50 weight
distribution, ensures excellent handling properties.
Dr. Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing
said: “The success of the BMW i8 speaks for itself, it is already the
world’s most successful hybrid sports car and has comfortably exceeded
our own expectations. I can think of no better illustration of the
relevance of our young BMW i brand.”
The BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will be produced at BMW Plant
Leipzig from July onwards and will officially be on sale from
September, 2016 priced at £112,535 OTR.
Ends
The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the
world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles
and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global
company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities
in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and
nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the
financial year 2014 was approximately € 8.71 billion on revenues
amounting to € 80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group
had a workforce of 116,324 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com
For further information please contact:
Lauren Prema BMW Media Relations Executive
Tel: 07815 370746
Email: Lauren. Prema@bmw.co.uk
Gavin Ward BMW Media
Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 371512
Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk
Piers Scott General Manager, Product and Internal Communications
Tel: 07815 378190
Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk
Graham Biggs Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 376867
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk