BMW i8 will be sold shortly after BMW i3 debut

Automotive News reports that the BMW i8 will go on sale just a few weeks after the BMW i3 debut in the second quarter of 2014. Ludwig Willisch, CEO of BMW of North America, confirmed this during the publication’s interview and also said that more i models will follow. BMW has already trademarked i1 through i9.

The 2015 BMW i8 will have extensive use of carbon fiber to bring down weight to only 1450 kilograms. Thanks to its lightweight nature, the electric vehicle can perform like a sports car.It is powered by a 170 horsepower electric motor that drives the front-wheels, coupled with a 1.5 liter 3-cylidner turbocharged petrol engine producing another 223 horsepower. It can go from a front-wheel drive vehicle to a rear-wheel drive one, and even an all-wheel drive setup. In full electric mode, the BMW i8 can travel up to 20 miles.