The new BMW i8 Roadster is unveiled: hybrid technology laid bare

Many sports cars have marked a before and after in automotive history, but some more recent ones are on the verge of achieving it. This is where we must mention the BMW i8, a unique and unrivalled sports car that was born in 2013. Its powertrain was a great revolution for the motoring world, as it demonstrated that hybrid technology can be used not only to reduce consumption and emissions, but also to deliver sporty performance. Now comes the Roadster version of the i8, to show us that this is also possible in the open air.

The German firm has just announced what we had been suspecting for months, the new BMW i8 Roadster. Even so, the brand has also taken the opportunity to introduce certain improvements to both versions of the sports car. BMW has made sure to give it a more modern look and to provide a considerable boost in power for both the convertible and the closed-roof model.

The main difference between the two models is, logically, the roof. The new BMW i8 Roadster features a fabric roof that folds and unfolds in 15 seconds, provided we are travelling at a maximum speed of 50 km/h, making it quite quick in that manoeuvre. To house the roof once stowed, the convertible i8 has had to sacrifice its two rear seats.

The mechanics of the new BMW i8 have also undergone several changes compared with the previous generation. As a proper hybrid vehicle, it has two motors inside. The combustion engine is a 1.5 producing 231 CV, which it inherits directly from the Mini JCW. On the other hand, the electric motor produces 143 CV and, if we combine both powertrains, the new i8 achieves a total output of 374 CV.

This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds in its coupé version, while the declared figure for the Roadster is 4.6 seconds, which is normal given the slight increase in weight. But these are not the only novelties offered by the new German supercar. Its electric-mode range has also been improved, being 53 km in the Roadster and 55 km in the coupé. The new i8 also offers the possibility of driving in electric mode up to 105 km/h.

Another advantage of the new i8 Roadster is that it retains its characteristic butterfly doors, an element that makes the sports car even more special. At the same time, the interior has also received certain technological upgrades, such as a new touch infotainment screen and the Head-up Display. The firm has also taken the opportunity to add a new range of colours.

On the other hand, hybridisation provides not only greater performance but also lower consumption. The new i8 Roadster declares consumption of 2.1 l/100 km, while the coupé version achieves an impressive 1.9 l/100 km. Without a doubt, the new i8 presents itself as a very worthy alternative to its main rivals, thanks to the perfect balance between efficiency and sportiness.

For the time being, we do not know the prices for the new versions of the BMW i8, but we will know more soon, as its presentation will take place on 1 December at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The i8 Roadster has been one of the most anticipated sports cars of recent years, and at last we have it in front of us and can enjoy its performance with the sky as its roof.