BMW Introduces the Drop Top i8 Roadster
With slight improvements in range and power.
BMW has introduced the newest additions in its line of flagship hybrid sports cars, an upgraded version of the i8 coupe and now the i8 Roadster. Added to both vehicle’s current parameters are a slightly improved 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, bumped up electric motor, and higher capacity battery.
The roadster can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and the coupe 4.2 seconds, each will also travel on electric power alone at speeds of up to 65 mph (instead of just 43 mph) – or 75 mph in eDrive mode. Highlighted however is the addition of a folding soft-top for the Roadster, which voids the rear seats to allow the raising roof to operate in 15 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The top also folds into a small Z-shaped vertical stack. Both versions are set to arrive in US showrooms next spring, with pricing to be revealed.
