BMW teases the i8 roadster electric convertible sports car

BMW releases a teaser video highlighting its new ‘i8’ roadster, the electrified convertible sports car and third member of the ‘i’ family. the munich-based company will launch its ‘i8’ roadster next year and it is expected to share many of the design features of the existing electric coupé.

all images © BMW 

BMW will start production of the ‘i8’ roadster in 2018, which mirrors a statement made by CEO harald krueger last year regarding a launch date for an electric convertible. the teaser video shared on the automaker’s social media channels reveals the roadster in the same camouflage veil as worn in ‘spy shots’. however, it does highlight the ‘i8’ roadster’s scissor-style, upward swinging doors that feature on its hardtop coupé sibling.

the BMW ‘i8’ roadster may continue to use the same 357 bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain, comprising a 1.5 liter three-cylinder engine working alongside an electric motor. from what can be seen in the teaser, it hints that its bodywork will be of a cabon-fiber reinforced plastic construction.