The BMW i8 - the first BMW plug-in hybrid sports car built with the revolutionary LifeDrive architecture and advanced lightweight material like Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), is now available at Performance Motors Limited.

The BMW i8 features the latest BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including a rear-mounted 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that can generate up to 231bhp and a maximum torque of 320Nm.

It also features a hybrid synchronous electric motor that can channel a maximum output of 131bhp and maximum torque of up to 250Nm to its front wheels via a two-stage transmission, during which it is capable of delivering zero tailpipe emissions.

"When the BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technology are activated concurrently, the BMW i8 is capable of producing up to 362bhp and 570Nm that can propel the car from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Yet, the BMW i8 has the fuel economy and emissions better than a small car at an amazing 47km/L," said Mr. Sethipong Anutarasoti, Corporate Affairs Director of BMW Group Asia.

The new three-cylinder engine derives its typical characteristics from BMW's six-cylinder in-line engines, to which it is closely related and which are noted for their eager power delivery, revving ability and refinement. The rear wheels of the BMW i8 are driven by the petrol engine via a six-speed automatic transmission, while the front wheels receive their power from the electric motor via a two-stage automatic transmission. Combined maximum output of 362bhp and combined peak torque of 570Nm provide all-wheel drive performance.

The motor derives its energy from the lithium-ion battery, which is centrally mounted underneath the floor of the vehicle. This model-specific version of the high-voltage battery was developed and produced by the BMW Group. It features an evaporative cooling system that offers a gross energy capacity of 7.1kWh and can be recharged from a BMW i Wallbox or at a public charging station. The BMW i8 can be fully charged in under three hours via the BMW i Wallbox Pure, which is a 230V wallbox with a charging power of 3.7kW and a current strength of 16 amperes.

Upon the purchase of a new BMW i vehicle, its high-voltage lithium-ion battery will come with a warranty coverage of up to eight years (from the starting date of the warranty period) or a maximum mileage of 100,000km, whichever comes first. The BMW i8 is retailing for $599,800 at press time.