LONDON: The new generation of high-tech, 3-cylinder petrol engines for the future BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will be produced exclusively at the BMW engine plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham.
"The new 3-cylinder petrol engines will enable the i8 to set new standards for dynamic performance in combination with industry-leading fuel-efficiency and low carbon emission levels," said Ian Robertson BMW management board member for sales and Marketing.
The BMW i8 Concept is a sports car boasting eDrive plug-in hybrid technology combining an electric drive system with a three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine producing 349hp/300Nm.
Acceleration of 0-100kph in under five seconds combined with the fuel consumption in the European cycle of under 33km/l gives sports car performance with small car fuel consumption.
Because of its plug-in hybrid drive, most daily journeys can be taken in zero-emission all-electric mode with an electric range of 32km. The i8 is a 2+2 seater, providing enough space for four people.
Over three million engines have been produced to date at the Hams Hall engine plant for a wide range of BMW and MINI vehicles. This milestone followed record production in 2011 and confirmation that facilities are to be upgraded to enable production of the new generation of engines.
The British-built engines are supplied in sequence to plants in Germany, Austria and Oxford and currently power the X1, 1 Series, the new 3 Series as well as all MINI petrol engines.
 |
| BMW's British plant in Hams Hall will be producing the 3-cyclinder engines for the i8. |