The first model of BMW's highly ambitious "i" progamme is the i3 five-door hatchback, which was caught by our scoop photographers undergoing hot weather testing in Southern Europe. The
prototype pictured here with the "Hybrid Test Vehicle" decal on the
tailgate is believed to be the so called "REX" version equipped with a
normally-aspirated 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a
range extender charging the battery to generate extra miles.
As
with the pure-electric plug-in version that will also be available at
launch, the i3 REX will rely on a 168hp (170PS) electric motor mounted
under the boot floor to drive the rear wheels.
Like the i8 sports coupe,
the i3 is based around a lightweight CFRP (carbonfibre reinforced
plastic) body structure named the ‘Life Module’, while riding on an
aluminum intensive chassis.
The
i3 will measure just under 3.9 meters (153 inches) in length and will
keep the i3 Concept's key styling elements such as the suicide-style
rear doors and the shape of the roof.
According
to the Bavarian automaker, the new i3 will roll off its production line
at the Leipzig plant in Germany towards the end of 2013.
Photo Credits; CarPix for CarScoop
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