A Closer Look at the BMW i8

BMW is generally known for making refined, elegant silhouettes – cars that combine both performance and luxury into stylish, functional roadsters. With the release of the i8 though, the German automaker lets its proverbial hair down. The sport-focused vehicle takes cues from the canon of great sports cars in the past, but more importantly, strikes a balance between sustainable energy consumption and high speed performance. All this is thanks to the 131 horsepower electric motor on the front axle, combined with the 231 horsepower in the rear. Options for charging aren’t especially synonymous with the athleticism of a butterfly door system, but the BMW i8 seems to pull it off without seeming contrived. A wealth of technical info can be found on BMW’s mini-site for the car, while an introductory video is featured below.