Video: BMW i8 prototype caught undergoing testing

March 14, 2011March 14, 2011 Omar Rana BMW i, BMW i8, Coupes, Diesels, electric-cars, electric-vehicles, i8, plug-in hybrids, Sports Cars, Supercars

On Feb. 21, BMW unveiled its new ‘i‘ brand – a new sub-brand that will offer a full range of alternatively fueled vehicles. The first two vehicles form the brand will be the i3, previously known as the BMW Megacity, and the i8, previously known as the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics.

Spies have now caught the BMW i8 undergoing some cold weather testing Scandinavia.

According to BMW sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson, the “i8 will be a pinnacle car for the BMW brand as a whole, not just the i brand.”

Either way, hit the jump for the video to see the BMW i8 in action.

Refresher: Power for the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics prototype comes from a 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo diesel engine mated to a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axle. Jointly the system will produce an output of 328-hp. 0-60 mph comes in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Fuel-economy is estimated at 63 mpg and the concept can provide 31 miles of zero-emissions driving. The production version of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics will be known as the BMW i8 go on sale in 2013.