High Performance Achieved Even with a 1.5-Liter Engine

BMW's stars at the show were the "i3" and "i8," whose production models have just been announced in Japan. They were displayed with exceptional flair in a spacious, dedicated area at the very back of the booth.


When we asked visiting fans for their impressions again, many were drawn to the beauty of the i8. Its low, flowing body lines, stylish gullwing doors, and the fairings that wrap around the rear of the body are design motifs that would captivate any sports car enthusiast.

Incidentally, the engine in the i8 is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo with a maximum output of 231 hp. Even with a system output of 362 hp including the electric motor, the engine's role is solely to supply power to the 131 hp rated motor. In other words, if you were to drive at high speeds continuously and deplete the battery, this engine would be your only reliance.


So, what is the maximum speed achievable with just this engine? Upon confirming with several technicians, we learned that the i8 can travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h on its engine alone.

In other words, it can reach the speed limiter range with a mere 1.5-liter turbo engine. This is nothing short of astonishing.


The biggest secret behind this achievement lies in the i8's low running resistance. Firstly, aerodynamic drag has been reduced to a Cd value of 0.26. This was achieved by covering the underside of the body with a flat panel and minimizing tire width. On the other hand, the reduced contact area due to narrower tires is compensated for by the use of larger diameter wheels. Combined with BMW's signature 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, this ensures outstanding handling performance.

The price of the i8 in Japan is 19.17 million yen. To reiterate, this is an unusually high price for a car equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. When we asked the i8's product manager, "Is there still a business case for this?" he replied, "We surveyed markets worldwide, and we have no concerns that the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine will be a negative factor. However, the Middle East, where the tendency to judge a car's value by its cylinder count remains strong, might be challenging."


Applications for the i8 are already being accepted, with deliveries expected to begin in the summer of 2014 or later.

BMW's First Front-Wheel-Drive Model Nears Debut, Other Displays Like the 4 Series Also Worth Noting

Another vehicle drawing attention at the BMW booth is the "Concept Active Tourer." While the concept itself was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, it generated buzz as BMW's first front-wheel-drive car.

Why is BMW developing a front-wheel-drive car? The reason, they say, is the rapidly growing demand for spacious interiors in compact cars. BMW's conclusion was that front-wheel drive is ultimately more advantageous for maximizing interior space.


Given the overwhelmingly positive response to the Active Tourer, its production is likely imminent. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and the front-wheel-drive platform are expected to share many components with the latest MINI.

Additionally, the BMW booth features the world premiere of the "4 Series Convertible," and the "M4 Coupe," the M version of the 4 Series, is also quietly on display in a corner of the venue, so don't miss that either.