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2018 BMW i8 Roadster teased in new video

The upcoming BMW i8 Roadster has been teased again this week, ahead of its expected reveal at the Los Angeles motor show later this month.


httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=23&v=U1vgirFyy34

In a new video posted online, the (incomplete) i8 Roadster can be seen facing vigorous testing during the production process, hinting at the long process BMW has undertaken to make the drop-top as rigid and durable as its coupe sibling.

The short clip appears to confirm that the i8 Roadster will have a folding fabric roof - as also indicated by the recently-spied camouflaged prototypes - while the end of the video confirms "preliminary" fuel consumption data.

According to the text at the end of the clip, the i8 Roadster has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 2.1L/100km, while energy consumption is rated at 14.7kWh/100km, compared to 2.0L/100km and 14.2kWh/100km respectively for the coupe.

Meanwhile, for those living in markets where CO2 emissions are taxable, the drop-top i8 emits 48g/km on the European test cycle compared to the coupe's marginally better 44g/km.

It's rumoured that the BMW i8 Roadster will make its debut at the 2017 Los Angeles motor show, which kicks off at the end of the month.


Above: BMW i Vision Interaction concept

The reveal of the convertible version should coincide with a mid-life update for the plug-in hybrid sports car, likely to involve an uprated version of the i8's 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, which is based on the unit used in several Mini models. Expect to see a beefier electric motor and battery system as well.

Currently, the i8 pumps out a total of 266kW and 570Nm from its hybrid system, but recent reports suggest the refreshed model will push that to the 310kW mark. The current car's 7.1kWh battery is also set to get an upgrade to around 10kWh, which should improve the i8's "up to 37km" electric-only range

If these rumours prove true, it would be logical to expect the i8's 4.4-second sprint from 0-100km/h to be improved as well. Stay tuned for our coverage of the Los Angeles motor show later this month.

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