Even though BMW continues to tease the convertible i8 hybrid sports car, it’s likely we won’t see a production version until 2017, possibly even as late as 2018. BMW confirmed that no new “i” models would be produced in 2016.
The battery-electric Tesla Model S fighter, the BMW i5, may beat the convertible to production, as it’s set to be available by 2017. BMW continues to tease the possibility of the drop-top, as we just saw another concept version at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
It’s been speculated that the automaker didn’t engineer the initial i8 to be compatible with a convertible top, or that the automaker wants to make use of the added power seen in the BMW i8 safety car for Formula E, but no official statements have been made regarding the continued delays.
BMW insists that the carbon fiber body is strong enough to handle a convertible top, but it’s possible the automaker wants to work everything out before production. A source inside BMW spoke with Australia’s Motoring, stating that “The i8 is selling well enough now, so the lineup doesn’t strictly need it. We are doing it, we are just doing it slowly because it’s not all we’re doing.”
Source: Motoring
The post Report: BMW i8 Convertible Won’t Arrive Until 2017 appeared first on Motor Trend.
from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/1ZKLHAL