BMW has made its rivals green with envy after taking the wraps off a groundbreaking supercar capable of 155mph and a staggering 113 MILES PER GALLON.
The futuristic i8 is the most advanced sports car ever built by BMW and it will be coming to UK showrooms later this year.
It is powered by tiny 1.5-litre turbocharged engine which, combined with an electric motor, generates 362bhp.
This gives the plug-in hybrid, with its upwards-opening scissor doors, a 0-62mph time of just 4.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
And while it is fast it is also green with the car emitting just 59g/km of carbon dioxide and BMW claiming it will be capable of up to 113mpg.
Power from the petrol engine goes to the rear wheels while the electric motor goes through the front.
The car is capable of being driven in electric mode for 22 miles at a top speed of 75mph with BMW saying the i8 can have its battery charged from zero to 80 per cent in less than two hours.
When fully charged, and with a full tank of fuel, the four-seat i8 can be driven for around 310 miles before needing to be topped up.
BMW unveiled the £100,000 i8 as a full production model at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show after appearing in various concept forms.
The firm has described the i8, which joins the i3 in the as being “the best of both worlds”.
It said: “The new BMW i8 combines the performance of a sports car with the fuel consumption of a small compact car, boasting impressive efficiency and sustainability without forfeiting driving dynamics.
“No compromises, but rather the optimal combination of driving pleasure and responsibility.
“The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that brings together the advantages of electro-mobility and innovative engine technology.
“The result is an extraordinarily dynamic driving experience – with extremely low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”
The green supercar will cost £99,845 when it goes on sale later this year.
