iSpy: BMW i8

Our spy photographers managed to snap a few photos of the vehicle that's to become BMW's plug-in hybrid i8 supercar dashing through the snow in northern Sweden during a little cold-weather testing. The machine you see above will be the reigning monarch of the Bavarian automaker's new sub-brand, i, once it debuts. Based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that starred at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the vehicle is said to pack 2+2 seating and a zero-to-100kph time in the 4.8 second range along with a supercar price tag. Look to fork out around €150,000 (Dh770,000) when this beast touches down. There has been some indication that BMW will forgo the thrifty diesel engine of the concept in favour of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-powered unit to work in co-ordination with the hybrid system. While that's bad news for diesel fans, the fact that BMW is gearing the platform toward petrol means that this vehicle will more than likely be very powerful. With its lightweight structure and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it will nonetheless remain a very fuel-efficient car.