The world's first sustainable and
most progressive sports car of our time
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Kuwait
– With
its ultra-dynamic proporti
The BMW i8 was launched at an exclusive event by Ali
Alghanim & Sons Automovie at the Prestige Ballroom, Prestige, The Avenues
in Kuwait. Held on the 17th of June, the vehicle was introduced by Talal
Alajmi, Showroom Manager, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive and Yousef
Mustafa, Area Manager of BMW Group Middle East.
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The
BMW i8 is the second model after the BMW i3 to be unveiled by BMW i, the
company's sub-brand focusing solely on developing sustainable products and
services, that has helped affirm BMW Group's leadership as the world's most
sustainable premium car company.
Both
the exterior and interior of the emotionally-led 2+2-seater embody a
revolutionary, pioneering take on the Sheer Driving Pleasure for which BMW is
renowned. The BMW i8 features a completely new, exciting sports car design
which includes sophisticated aerodynamics features and environmentally friendly
materials.
It
comprises BMW LifeDrive architecture, the worlds' first body architecture
specifically designed and purpose-built for series production of electric and
plug-in hybrid cars. The BMW i LifeDrive architecture is made up of two
separate units: the upper Life module that consists mainly of a
high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from Carbon Fibre
Reinforced Plastic. The lower drive module consists of a 100% aluminium
construction and integrates the battery, electric motor and suspension system.
The use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic is a first for a volume-production
model. It is the lightest available material that can be used in the
construction of a car body without compromising on safety.
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Powered
by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which, in
typical BMW sports car fashion, drives through the rear wheels, the BMW i8’s
intelligent hybrid system also capitalises on a potent electric motor which
sends drive to the front wheels resulting in a combined power output of 362hp
delivered to all four wheels.
When
united, the dual motors (electric motor at the front and petrol engine at the
rear) work in harmony enabling the BMW i8 to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in
4.4 seconds while using just 2.1 litres of petrol per 100kms and emitting just
59g/km of emissions.
The
BMW i8 has a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, and can be operated
solely in all electric drive (zero emissions) for around 37 kilometres - and
the battery of the plug-in hybrid can be continuously charged by the petrol
engine while driving. Due to its lightweight of just 1,485 kg, it provides a
total drive range of more than 500 kilometres.
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A
sports car character and the typical BMW driver orientation are both equally
prominent in the design of the BMW i8. The front view of the BMW i8 exudes
sporting ability in its purest form. Large front apron air intakes arranged
over several levels generate a powerful feeling of depth. The extremely broad
BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width
of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance. In addition, full-LED headlights are
standard and innovative laser headlights, available as an option later this
year, proving intense light that will illuminate the roads for up to 600m -
double the distance of conventional LED lights.
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An
all-embracing sustainability concept runs throughout the entire value chain of
the BMW i8; carbon fibre production and vehicle assembly using 100-per cent
renewable electricity; high proportion of recycled materials; use of materials
manufactured and treated in an environmentally friendly manner.
The
BMW i8 is the future of sports performance driving, offering unparalleled fuel
efficiency in a light and lithe Coupé body that takes nothing away from the
thrill of driving a thoroughbred performance car.
