04.03.2019Reinforcement for the topic electricity: Twice BMW i8 Roadster 2018

Electromobility and autonomous driving are currently gaining increasing interest in the automotive industry. Just last week, the Daimler AG and the BMW AG announced that both premium manufacturers want to develop the next generation of technologies for automated driving together. In a first step, the development of driver assistance systems as well as automated driving on highways and for automated parking functions (up to SAE Level 4) will be promoted in the next generation of technology. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and merging together their resources in the fight against international competitors. BMW and Daimler see this approach as a long-term and strategic cooperation.

With ambitious goals: They are aiming to make the next technology stage available in the middle of the next decade. That the Germans are catching up concerning their residuum of the electromobility is demonstrated by BMW with the i8, whose coupe is based on a study from 2012. For the model year 2018, the original version experienced a slight facelift; The series has been extended by the Roadster with the internal model series designation I15. Both have in common the combination of a turbocharged 1.5 liter three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric drive acting on the front axle. Since May 2018, this has produced 105 kW / 143 hp. The petrol engine operates behind the passenger compartment and provides 170 kW / 231 hp; Overall, the i8 driver can therefore rely on 275 kW / 374 hp, which accelerates the sports car in 4.4 seconds to 100 km / h.

Thus, the vehicle reaches an electronically regulated top speed of 250 kilometers per hour. In addition, around 55 kilometers of range are possible just with the electric engine. The Aacheners from Minichamps have now released further specialist retail versions of the BMW i8 Roadster: once under the item number 155027031 in the scale 1:18, on the other hand in the size 1:43 (410027031); both times in crystal white pearl-effect. Minichamps has perfectly adapted the elaborate design of the bodywork to the models, but the mold makers waive from openable doors in both sizes. The replicas of the headlights are excellent; sharp edges and detailed inside immediately catch the eye. A compliment: Minichamps did an excellent job of replicating this sports car.

Here: Click to the modelcars of the BMW i8 by Minichamps