It has been two months since BMW formally revealed the convertible version of their hybrid i8. In the meantime, they sent us a 2018 BMW i8 coupe to drive for a week of thrills. It never failed to disappoint, with great handling and hardly using any fuel. To incorporate a disappearing hard top, the rear seats have been lost. Like most other German drop-tops, the action will take place up to 31 mph.
Upcoming BMW i8 Roadster Teased
All convertibles need extra reinforcements to make up for the folding roof. Instead of simply guessing the corners, BMW chose to 3D print the braces for the ultimate in top-down technology. The top and its mechanism bump the curb weight up by 132 lbs, but this isn’t an issue. That’s because you still have the 1.5-liter turbocharged three making 228 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. A fraction of this power is sent to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, but under most circumstances, it is used to power the 141 horsepower electric that makes 184 lb-ft of torque.
Pricing for a no-frills roadster will start at $163,300, which arrives without big brakes or laser headlights. Be prepared to spend an additional 10 grand to make it the roadster of your dreams and stay with us for more BMW updates.
