Spy photographers have snapped some of the best images yet of BMW’s production i8 sports car, which is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming weeks. BMW engineers were spotted doing some final hot-weather testing of a near-production prototype in the southwestern U.S. on Wednesday.
In addition to showing the near complete body, this latest round of photos also gives us our clearest glimpse at the production interior. Visible is the i8’s center stack, door release, instrument panel, steering wheel, and center LCD display. The i8 looks to be equipped with a joystick-style gear selector similar to those found throughout the BMW model-range.
Based on the i8 concept, the production model will be a high-performance plug-in hybrid aimed at the new NSX. Like the NSX, the i8 has electric motors at the front wheels and a direct link to the gasoline engine powering the rear wheels, resulting in a permanent all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring.
The i8 features the same 170 horsepower electric motor found in the i3 at its front axle, but with the addition of a 223 horsepower, 295 lb-ft 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder behind the passengers. With the combined 393 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, the i8 is capable of accelerating from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds.
Unlike many EVs which use a single-speed transmission, the i8 uses a four-speed automatic transmission.
Despite the performance, the the i8 is expected to return over 100 miles per gallon on the European test cycle, which is somewhat less demanding than the current EPA test. For trips up to 20 miles, the i8 is capable of traveling on electric power alone.
The i8’s performance is aided by its LifeDrive architecture, which puts a heavy emphasis on lightweight materials. The low placement of the battery along with a perfect 50/50 weight distribution should ensure the i8 lives up to BMW’s reputation for precision handling. Although most supercars only offer seating for two, the i8 uses a 2+2 seating configuration. However, BMW says the i8’s cabin is driver-focused and is designed to “immerse the driver fully in the unique driving experience.”
Look for the i8 to hit BMW showrooms in early 2014 with a European starting price of over $100,000.