BMW has announced that the engines for its forthcoming i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will be built at the BMW engine plant at Hams Hall, near Birmingham.
This comes after news of the production of the three-millionth engine at the Hams Hall facility last week and, although we could go on about the boost this will give to the British Motor Industry, we're guessing that you're probably more interested in the car.
The i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car, powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric drive system which together produce 349bhp and 221lb-ft of torque. This means 0-62mph should take less than five seconds.
BMW claims that the i8 can be driven for 20 miles on the electric motor alone and return a combined 78mpg. If we're honest, we're a little sceptical of this figure and think, like all official fuel economy figures, that it'll only be achievable if you drive like an undertaker.
One thing is for certain though; the i8 looks absolutely fantastic. We love the long windscreen and the svelte, aerodynamic shape.
The i8 is expected to go on sale next year, with prices starting from over £100,000.
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