2015 BMW i8 smashes Track Record time [Video]

2015, bmw, i8, racetrack, record, track, videoTFLcar test track record is 1:10.64 that was set in a 2014 Audi S4. Can the 2015 BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car top this time? The specifications sheet says that it should. The i8 makes 356 horsepower and 420 lb-ft from both electric motor up front and gasoline engine in the back. It weight in at 3,455 pounds with the help of the carbon-fiber construction, and all four wheels are driven when it’s in “Sport” mode.

The car has two transmissions: a 2-speed up front that it putting the electric power to the ground. And a 6-speed in the back that handles the 228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque from the 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder engine. There is a lot going on underneath. Is this car sorted enough to be drivable and fun?
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The IMI Motorsports track is designed to be a go-kart circuit, thus it has many tight turns. Is the i8 agile enough to snake its way around this racetrack in record time?

A special car like the i8 deserves a special driver, and the ringer in this case is the current Indy Car and former Formula 1 racer – Justin Wilson.  BMW claims that the car is capable of 0-60 mph sprints 0f 4.2 seconds. The i8 is on sale now for nearly $136,000.

Thanks to IMI Motorsports for providing the test track.

Check out this fun video to see just how much faster the 2015 BMW i8 is, and get Justin’s opinion on this new-age performance car.

 

 

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011.