BMW i8 Roadster teased testing at the Leipzig facility

The long awaited BMW i8 Roadster has been teased once again. This time around, the electric roadster was seen in its final testing phase at the carmaker’s Leipzig plant. This is the same facility where the i3 and i8 are manufactured.

BMW showcased the stunning i8 Spyder Concept way back in 2012 at the Bangkok Motor Show. The Bavarian carmaker confirmed that the debut of the open-top hybrid sportscar will be sometime next year. The roadster has been spotted on many occasions and the ¬¬car is deemed to be production ready. The third member of the new i family, after the i8 and i3, the i8 Roadster was briefly displayed during its extensive testing of suspension and underpinning in the new teaser video. What we can assume about the black fabric roof is that it will either be a removable panel or will fold down in between the seat and the electric powertrain at the rear.

The characteristic aero profile of the facelifted i8 has been retained while we can see the new signature LED headlights and tail lights. The space-age CRPF bodywork will ensure minimal increase in weight. As far as the powertrain is concerned, the i8 Spyder is expected to scrounge the upgraded motor from the i8 Formula E-Safety car. The battery pack will be upgraded from 7.1kWh, in the standard i8, to 10kWh resulting in a higher driving range. With the combination of a tweaked three-cylinder 1.5-litre IC engine in conjunction to the electric motor at the front axle, the power output is expected to surge to over 400 horsepower. 

Although the i8 Spyder won’t be as outrageously gorgeous as the i8 Spyder Concept, it won’t be any less futuristic either. The drop-top i8 is expected to be revealed later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. So stay tuned.