More Range and Power: BMW revealed a posh Roadster variant for its i8 plug-in hybrid at the current 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. Along with the Coupe model to debut, this upscale open-top has also been updated with all the leading bells and whistles including a power-retractable cloth panel, two ultra-popular E-Copper and Donnington Grey exterior shades, and an extended 3-mile all-electric range.
According to the press release, the Bavarians used a new 3D printing process when building the roof construction. Along with plenty of carbon fiber composite parts and nifty gull-wing doors, the soft-top roof can close or open in less than 16 seconds turning all the heads.
Power came from a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine, which produces 228 hp; as a result, the acceleration numbers remain impressive as the Roadster can sprint 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds. Due to a larger lithium-ion battery capacity for an 18-miles (instead of 15) pure-electric range, the total output is good for 369hp adding 12 more horsepower increase. And with the hood open, please, listen to the engine – with an electronically limited 155mph top speed, the engine’s sound has been tangibly improved.
