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BMW i8 roadster spied again

The upcoming BMW i8 roadster has been spied again, this time during cold weather testing on the snowy roads of Sweden.


For the first time we get a proper look at the drop-top hybrid performance coupe, though the likeness to the coupe doesn't present any major surprises despite the heavy disguise.

As noted when first images of the i8 roadster surfaced last month, the most distinguishing features between the coupe and convertible versions will be the roof and rear deck - as the roadster needs somewhere to store the folding soft top.

It's unknown whether the roof of the i8 roadster will be electrically-operated, manual or removable, though it bears a striking resemblance to the 2012 i8 Spyder concept along with the more recent 2016 i Vision Future Interaction show car.

Under the bonnet will be the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the coupe, which currently pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor to produce outputs of 266kW and 570Nm. With this combination, the i8 coupe can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Last October BMW's CEO, Harald Krueger, confirmed with industry journal Automotive News Europe that a convertible i8 would join the coupe in 2018.

Additionally, the UK's Autocar said last May that the release of the convertible would coincide with a forthcoming update for the i8, likely bumping up outputs and bringing a new suspension tune, wireless charging and some minor styling changes.

It's believed the refresh could increase the hybrid system's power output to around 310kW.

Little else is known about the i8 roadster, or when BMW plans to officially reveal it. In the meantime, stay tuned to CarAdvice for more updates.

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