据外媒报道，宝马近日在伦敦向一些客户私下展示了新款i8敞篷车。据这些参观过该车的人透露，新车的方向盘采用方形设计，重量很轻，轮辐很窄。另外量产版与2013年发布的概念车外观很相似。该车采用织物软顶，后排座椅被拿掉作为储物格，而前排座椅相对于目前的座椅有“巨大”提升，支撑力度和舒适性更优异并带有记忆功能。仪表群也获得升级，采用了新一代iDrive和档位指示器。车门底部还有i投射式8泛光灯。该车除了搭载动力更强电机，汽油引擎与轿跑车一样，据传输出功率提升至277千瓦/372马力，而现行版搭载一台1.5升三缸引擎和一台电机，功率266千瓦/357马力。目前还不清楚该车将于何时亮相，但预计该车价格将超过目前的轿跑车。
BMW i8 Roadster Will Have More Electric Power, Updated Cabin
According to a user on the forum BimmerPost, new details from a private showing suggest that the production i8 Roadster is nearly here. At the private event in London, BMW allegedly unveiled its new Roadster to a few lucky clients, and there are some very specific new details to take note of.
First up is the wheels; the user notes the "square" design and light weight. The wheels in question are supposedly the lightest wheels available for the i8, and their spokes are extremely narrow. The user also notes that the production version looks extremely close to the concept, which was first unveiled in 2013.
The roof is fabric, the rear seats have been removed in place of a storage compartment, and the front seats are reportedly a "HUGE" improvement over the current ones. The user cites more support and comfort with memory capabilities. The instrument cluster has also been updated, including a new generation of iDrive and an updated gear indicator. There’s even a projected i8 flood lamp at the bottom of the doors.
Apart from a more powerful electric motor, the new i8 Roadster carries over the same gas engine found on the coupe. Rumors suggest that output could increase to 372 horsepower (277 kilowatts). The current model produces 357 hp (266 kW) via a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor.
It’s still unclear when exactly we’ll see the new BMW i8 Roadster in the flesh, but when it does debut, expect a price tag well above the current coupe.