The Bite Magazine - Summer 2012 - Issue 5

create a driver-focused environment in the light but immensely strong carbon- fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) cockpit, is said to be unmatched by any other BMW vehicle before it.The various Drive modules, which are mainly constructed from aluminium components, are derived from operational nature such as powertrain, chassis and safety structures. With this approach, the additional weight of the high-output Hybrid drivetrain is completely cancelled out. Inside the cockpit of the i8 Concept Spyder the three-layer composition of the interior with interlocking lines and surfaces greatly complements the style of the exterior. The ‘off-white’ outer layer supports the structure, while the inner layer creates the ‘comfort’ portion featuring the seats and storage.The third dimension portrays the ‘technical’ layer that includes the steering wheel and information display. The sporting nature of the concept car is completed by the naturally tanned orange leather which forms parts of the seats and various other areas of the interior structure. Instead of just one screen, the driver has three in which to access information: the twin ellipses of the instrument cluster (that gives information on how much energy is currently being used or recuperated as well as navigation details and fuel range through the digital speedometer and efficiency display), the central information display and the climate display. To differentiate between the two, the ECO PRO that maximises efficiency turns blue while in SPORT bitecars Driving Capacity With an acceleration of 0-62mph in just five seconds, combined with fuel consumption of 2.7 litres per 100 kilometres and anelectronically limited top speed of 155mph, the i8 Concept Spyder is said to achieve beyond the current capacity of any combustion powered engine of comparative performance. The eDrive technology with its large lithium- ion battery, which can be fully charged from a domestic power supply in less than two hours, allows the new concept car to travel up to approximately 20 miles on electric power alone. The technology of the i8 Concept Spyder is astounding. To enhance the vehicle’s sporting car character, the LifeDrive architecture is carefully adapted to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor located in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an “energy tunnel” that houses the high- voltage battery.Through this, a low centre of gravity is created and the dynamic benefits that comes with it. The weight distribution is equally balanced thanks to the positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of the components. Sporty Interior BMW were on the right thought path when they visualised a concept which fully incorporated the motorist into the unique driving experience. Their aim to mode the cluster glows orange. The driver can extract a wide range of information such as the status of the hybrid system, navigational data and connectivity functions through the 8.8- inch central screen displays.This supports the advanced suite of driver assistance systems found in the i8 Concept Spyder such as the camera-based proactive collision warning feature, park assistant and traffic jam assistant. Further advanced technology includes using a smart phone to find the location of where the vehicle is parked with CarFinder, showing the locations of nearby charging stations, allowing batteries to be charged at pre- determined times and staying informed of the vehicle’s status. Even the interior can be pre-warmed on a cold morning. So amazing and advanced is the technology of the i8 Concept Spyder that through the linking of the vehicle’s power electronics to the intelligent navigation and traffic guidance systems, the hybrid system will charge the battery in advance if a jam is detected ahead. As a result, the car can run in pure electric mode while stuck in traffic, benefiting fuel consumption and emission reduction. Exterior Through its sweeping lines and flat silhouette, the i8 Concept Spyder sports a striking appearance even when stationery. It perfectly illustrates the dynamic and lightweight character of the vehicle, with its traditionally sporty proportions of a wide but low body, minimal overhands