BMW has teased its upcoming i8 Spyder once again in a new video showing the car in the factory. Previously seen in various concept forms, the i8 Spyder should go on sale next year alongside an updated version of its hardtop sibling.
Showing off new i8 Spyder details like redesigned headlights and a folding fabric roof, this latest teaser video confirms other details like its continued use of a carbonfibre chassis and dihedral-opening doors.
The Spyder is expected to use the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder, plug-in hybrid powertrain as the coupe and BMW has not confirmed any major upgrades, but we expect the the new car to carry across some gentle tweaks to make up for the extra weight incurred by the folding roof.
The i8 utilises a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol powered engine in conjunction with three electric motors giving the i8 a powertrain total of 357bhp and an electric range of up to 18 miles. As the front wheel motors can be driven independently, the i8 was technically the first front-wheel drive BMW on sale, and arguably far more acceptable than the 2-series Active Tourer.
Thanks to its carbonfibre tub chassis, the i8 should not suffer the same rigidity loss as other decapitated supercars, meaning a significant rise in kerb-weight should also be avoided. As seen in the footage, the roof is a fabric affair, with tall buttresses forming the rear part of the roofline much like other mid-engined convertibles.
Thankfully the distinctive floating buttresses have remained now working their way into a new motif on the rear deck surrounding the mid-mounted engine and battery back.
Expected to reach customers in 2018, the i8 Spyder might actually improve on its coupe sibling as it has always been deeply impressive, but lacking in emotional appeal compared to more traditional rivals.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
