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BMW has taken the first step in breathing new life into its i sub-brand at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show.
Along with giving the BMW i8 Coupe an update, the German automaker has pulled the cover off the i8 Roadster. The drop-top version of the plug-in hybrid sports car adds just 132 pounds of weight (60 kilograms), and manages to maintain the frameless gullwing doors seen on the coupe.
Both models feature an updated version of the eDrive system, which includes an 11.6-kWh battery that replaces last year’s 7.1-kWh unit. The new battery helps boost peak output of the electric motor 143 horsepower, while increasing electric-only driving speeds to just over 60 mph (105 km/h).
2017 LA Auto Show Full Coverage
Both the updated coupe and new convertible models have a total system output of 374 hp, helping the coupe go to 60 mph from a standstill in about 4.4 seconds. The Roadster is a tad slower at 4.6 seconds.
Pure electric range for the coupe is now 34 miles (55 kilometers), and is slightly less for the convertible.
Both models will arrive dealerships later this year, so expect pricing to be announced soon.
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