Since BMW initially unveiled the BMW i8 Concept Spyder at the Auto China event in Beijing back in 2012, fans have been waiting for the company to finally release its production version. Now, the company has finally put all the rumors to rest with a brand new teaser for its topless plug-in Hybrid Sports car. The new teaser also is seen as an indication that the brand new roaster may be close to being released and that environmentally-conscious gear heads may finally be able to cruise quietly in the top-down hybrid very soon.

The new teaser also is seen as an indication that the brand new roaster may be close to being released and that environmentally-conscious gear heads may finally be able to cruise quietly in the top-down hybrid very soon.

Official press release

The unsurprisingly short 21-second video teaser shown below is part of the company recently posted press release. The release itself also including a short one-paragraph statement that expressed their reasoning behind releasing the new BMW i8 Roadster. According to BMW, the 2018 i8 Roadster will be offering their buyers a "pioneering open-top driving pleasure," while at the same time giving them a fully silent vehicle with zero local emissions.

Sneak peak

The video itself shows the roadster, fully clad in camouflage, being placed inside a wind tunnel. The presentation is backed by thumping techno music and packed with CGI graphics exaggerating the wind's path through the silhouette of the vehicle.

The entire scene is likely to showcase the car's superior aerodynamics even without its roof.

The video then concludes by saying that the i8 Roadster is now in its final testing phase and that it will essentially be the icon of BMW's new era. The latter phrase could be referring to the company's upcoming shift to electric vehicles.

BMW had previously revealed that they are in fact planning to release a fully electric version of their mass-market 3-Series sedan. The high-volume vehicle platform would essentially make the electric 3-Series a direct competitor to Tesla's Model 3 sedan, which is also sold as a low to mid-end electric vehicle meant for mass markets.

Unknown specs

Aside from the video and the short press release, there isn't really a lot that is known about the upcoming top-down roadster. However, the vehicle is expected to share a lot of the hardware of its hardtop counterpart, which could include its drivetrain setup.

The typical i8 is comprised of a turbocharger and intercooler DOHC 12-valve 1.5-liter inline-3 engine coupled with an electric motor. It is also supplemented by front-mounted electric motors. The entire drivetrain generates a total output of 357 horsepower and 420 pound-foot of torque.
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