BMW i8 powertrain: The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car and its powertrain is a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor with power going to all four wheels. BMW i8 engine and motor: The mid-mounted 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engine drives the rear wheels and produces a maximum output of 235PS and 320Nm.

The 2015 BMW i8 is a hybrid sports car powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three combined with three electric motors for a combined output of 357 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is linked to the turbo-three and the front electric motor is paired to a two-speed automatic.

Able to sprint to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph, this exotic, environmentally conscious sports machine also boasts a 76 MPGe EPA fuel economy rating.

The innovative vehicle architecture of the BMW i8 comprises two elements: the Life module, the passenger cell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and the aluminum Drive module, which incorporates the entire drivetrain and chassis technology.

The BMW i8 Coupe and BMW i8 Roadster are high-performance plug-in hybrid sportscars. Unlike all-electric vehicles, the i8 features both a synchronous electric motor and a 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo engine – giving drivers the flexibility to select between gasoline only, electric only, or an efficient blend of both.

Highs Outside-the-box design, comfortable enough for daily use, feels light and quick. Lows The opposite of practical, not as quick as it looks, too much plastic bits in the interior. Verdict The i8 is a flashy and fuel-efficient alternative to legitimately exotic sports cars.

Engine & Transmission The conventional powerplant is a turbocharged, 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the high-voltage battery pack, the i8 packs a net power output of 357 horsepower.

The BMW i8 Roadster fell short of delivering the exhilarating performance expected of a supercar, with inferior power and acceleration compared to its rivals. The car had a poor electric range and fuel consumption, requiring frequent charging and undermining its promise as an eco-conscious choice.

BMW i8 Performance Specifications Powertrain: 1.5L BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine + eDrive Electric Motor. Total Power Output: 369 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

In addition, the BMW i8 top speed is restricted to 155 mph (250 km/h), which is significantly less than the other supercars, which have speeds of more than190 mph (300km/h), but then this luxurious and elegant car was not meant to be a racer.

The i8 is a high performance hybrid. It has electric motors. One big performance advantage electric motors have over internal combustion engines is instant torque. Electric motors have their highest torque potential when they are not moving.

In addition, the BMW i8 top speed is restricted to 155 mph (250 km/h), which is significantly less than the other supercars, which have speeds of more than190 mph (300km/h), but then this luxurious and elegant car was not meant to be a racer.