BMW i8 Spy Photo Reveals Unusual Doors
Published February 21, 2012
By Jeff Cobb
BMW’s plug-in hybrid i8 looks like it will feature innovative doors suitable for the avant-garde car, according to spy photos borrowed from our sister publication, AutoGuide.
The main difference looks like hinge placement, which allows the doors to open upwards and twist which should ensure they are fully out of the way upon entering and exiting the vehicle.
Are unusual doors going to be another trend for high-end plug-in cars? As we saw on the Tesla Model X, with its “falcon wing” doors, designers of novel electrified vehicles are departing from tradition in other ways to further distinguish their creations.
As for the i8's motive power however, it is not all-electric like the Tesla, but merges a 170-horsepower electric motor – sourced from the entry-level i3 – with a 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine turning out 223 horsepower.
It is supposed to be launched in 2013, and the level of completeness evident in this and other spy shots suggest it should be ready on time.
Source: AutoGuide
13 weeks ago
These plug-ins are a bit too high-end. They should make the 3 series have a plug first. Nice looking car though, looks like the acura nsx...
MrEnergyCzar
13 weeks ago
Looks to me like the driver is about to bump his head into the door - and he is not even all the way up to it yet. I hope it opens wider than the picture above shows. Nice paint job on the car - I am all for more than just solid colors. If only us common folk could afford such things.
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