2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

2014 BMW i8

The 2014 BMW i8, based on the 2009 Vision EfficientDynamics concept, has been spotted in winter testing near the arctic circle. While the car is still more than two years away from production, work on the car's powertrain is already underway

BMW's original Vision EfficientDynamics Concept/i8 may be joined by -- or simply replaced with -- a gasoline engine, at least in some markets. Fueling those rumors was the recent introduction of BMW's new, super-efficient 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder, initially fitted to the BMW X1 xDrive28i and intended to spearhead a four-cylinder renaissance in several U.S. models. With 245 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, 16 percent better fuel economy and significantly lower CO2 emissions than the engine it replaces, this new-gen gasoline four-banger seems ideally suited to serve as prime motivator for the Ameri-spec BMW i8.

BMW i8 pairs an internal combustion engine that drives its rear wheels with an electric motor/generator unit energized by a lithium-ion-polymer battery pack that powers the front wheels. With a combined output of 328 horsepower, that matchup allows the prototype i8 to run 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph -- as well as travel up to 31 miles in pure EV mode.

The exterior of the car still looks almost identical to the concept version, though it will certainly get updates to bring it in line with production standards and other i-branded vehicles. Current specs on the car include a three-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a hybrid system driving all four wheels for a total of 328 horsepower.

The production version of the i8 will use a powertrain similar to the concept’s, with a battery pack and electric motor working with some kind of internal-combustion engine. A diesel was used in the Vision ED, although we hear BMW may switch to a gas-fired unit, fearing buyers of the ultra-expensive laboratory on wheels might look down on a compression-ignition lump. The plug-in hybrid coupe will top the BMW range, packing the most current lightweight and fuel-saving technologies, and demanding the most currency as a result.