BMW unveils i8 Spyder Concept

BMW i8 Spyder Concept

Based on last year's i8, the new BMW i8 Spyder Concept ($TBA) takes the company's experimental hybrid line to new heights with a two-section folding roof, upward-opening doors, and slightly updated — and improved — looks. Other features include a 131 hp electric motor to drive the front wheels, a 223 hp turbocharged gas three-cylinder powering the rear wheels — a setup that allows for front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive, as well as 78 mpg fuel economy — 50:50 weight distribution, a 0-62 mph sprint of five seconds, a top speed of 155 mph, and copious use of lightweight materials. Did we mention that it also sports two electric scooters under the rear glass panel? Like we said, it's a concept. 

It'll be unveiled at this year's Beijing auto show later this month and is, as you'd imagine, a pretty good sign that Munich's going to give us a drop-top to join the i8 coupe. For those hard of memory, that's the 155mph, 100mpg sports car due to land in showrooms comes 2014.