BMW revealed today the i8 Roadster concept, which is going to have its world debut at the 2012 Los Angeles auto show. So far, BMW released just the first image of the roadster i8, along with a few initial details. The BMW i8 Roadster comes with an innovative powertrain that develops 354 hp and it's able to take the open-top concept from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Even though BMW's i8 roadster concept is able to offer sports car performance, it also promises of fuel economy of up to 78 mpg (US). The high efficiency of the i8 Roadster is given by its lightweight design and its hybrid powertrain. This new powertrain includes an electric motor, a gasoline combustion engine and a lithium-ion battery pack.
One of the i8 Roadster's most striking design details include its upward-swiveling, windowless doors, which of course, we'll have to wait until its premiere to see. For the roadster i8, BMW created electric kickboards stowed under its transparent tailgate. We're not really sure what these are useful for, but we're sure BMW is going to clear this out at the time of the concept's premiere.
The i8 Roadster is built upon BMW's LifeDrive architecture, which involves a modular construction and innovative materials.
