BMW to produce i8’s 3-cylinder engine in the UK
While the carbon fiber parts for the upcoming BMW i8 will come from Washington, United States, the new 3-cylinder gasoline engine for the plug-in hybrid sports car will be produced exclusively at the BMW engine plant in Hams Hall, near Birmingham.
“Our Hams Hall engine plant, which last week celebrated production of the three-millionth engine since the plant was opened in February 2001, will make an important contribution to the future success of the new BMW i brand and the company’s strategy for achieving sustainable mobility,” said Ian Robertson. “The new 3-cylinder petrol engines will enable our future BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car to set new standards for dynamic performance in combination with industry-leading fuel-efficiency and low carbon emission levels.”
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The 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo is rated to make 349-hp with a maximum torque of 221 lb-ft. The engine will be matted to BMW’s eDrive plugin hybrid electric drive system allowing for total of 78 mpg under the Euro cycle with a 0 to 62 mph time of under 5 seconds. Zero emission all-electric driving will come in around 20 miles.
Production of the BMW i8 is expected to launch in 2014.
– By: Omar Rana
