BMW i8

 

It's hard to believe that the BMW i8 has been on the market for over two years now since its design and technology make it seem quite futuristic. Behind the cabin is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three paired to an electric motor producing a combined 357 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs. of torque. The i8 can travel from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 156 mph. It contains a two-speed automatic for the front wheels and a six-speed dual-clutch for the rear wheels. BMW's plug-in hybrid sports car can go up to 20 miles in electric mode before the gas engine kicks in. It is one of only a few production vehicles available with laser LED headlights and taillights (the other notable example is the Audi R8). Like many current BMW models, the i8 contains a center touch pad that allows the user to input a setting or destination by writing it, rather than scrolling through the menu on the infotainment system. Its body and chassis are made of both carbon fiber and aluminum, leading to a total weight of 3484 pounds. BMW intends to keep its i and M divisions separate, so there will not be an i8 M in the pipeline, which kind of sucks. Pricing for the BMW i8 starts at $144,395, with fully loaded examples topping out at just over $150k. It is an amazing vehicle that turns the heads of even non-car enthusiasts, but isn't as great and doesn't perform as well as similar sports cars, such as the Porsche 911, Jaguar F-Type, Mercedes-AMG GT, and Acura NSX. One last note: if you look at the back of the i8, you will notice that it appears as if it is giving birth to a Porsche 911. You will never look at it the same again. Don't tell me I didn't warn you.