BMW has revealed a limited edition version of its i8 hybrid supercar that will go on sale from September 2016.
What’s new about the BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition? Well, there’s a bit of a clue in the name; it gets a unique ‘Protonic Red’ paintjob with ‘Frozen Grey’ metallic accents, building on the existing blue, silver and white offerings.
BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels that come in a fetching ‘Orbit Grey’ metallic with the hubs painted in aluminium matt are also unique to the model. Front tyres are 215 R20, while the back gets wider 245/40 variants.
BMW has also treated the i8 Protonic Red Edition with carbon fibre and ceramic trims exclusive to the model, in addition to the usual futuristic looks seen on the standard car – including those crazy-but-cool dihedral doors that open forwards and upwards.
There’s no change to the power output ─ we doubt a sportier version is far off anyway ─ but let’s not get too upset. Its combination of a 231hp 1.5-litre petrol and a 131hp hybrid synchronous electric motor gives it plenty of poke.
250Nm of torque is available instantly, rising to 570Nm at full whack. That and the fact both the front and rear axles receive a share of the power means a sprint from 0-62mph of 4.4 seconds is assured. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
It is possible to drive 22 miles in the 2+2 without touching a drop of fuel, making it potentially cheap to run. An ozone-friendly 59g/km of CO2 is emitted from the exhaust so it’s free to tax and exempt from London’s congestion charge, too.
The BMW i8 hardly the lighest and fastest supercar, but it has a 50:50 weight distribution and the centre of gravity is just 460mm from the ground so it’s a competent handler. Really, though, you buy the i8 because it feels like nothing else. Rory Reid loved it.
Prices start from £112,535 and production begins in July 2016.
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