BMW’s plug-in hybrid i8 coupe sees red ahead of the Geneva show

By Ronan Glon February 15, 2016

The BMW i8 was the best-selling plug-in hybrid sports coupe in the world last year. To celebrate the occasion, the Munich-based car maker will introduce a limited-edition version of the i8 called Protonic Red at the Geneva Auto Show that will open its doors next month.

As its name suggests, the Protonic Red is finished in an eye-catching shade of red that was developed specifically for the limited-edition model. Frozen gray accents add a touch of contrast to the look, and the special i8 comes standard with the 20-inch W-spoke alloy wheels that are offered at an extra cost on the regular-production i8. Inside, passengers are treated to red contrast stitching on the floor mats and on the seats, as well as black ceramic trim on the gear lever.

BMW hasn’t made any mechanical modifications, so the Protonic Red model is powered by an i8-sourced gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain made up of a 231-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine located behind the passenger compartment, and a 131-horsepower electric motor mounted over the front axle. Rated at a combined 362 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the drivetrain sends the i8 from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed that’s electronically limited to 155 mph. Alternatively, if you drive with a light right foot the electric motor can power the i8 by itself for up to 22 miles, and the coupe returns 76 MPGe.

The BMW i8 Protonic Red edition will be only be available from July to December of this year, though it doesn’t sound like the coupe has been earmarked for the United States market. However, BMW explains the Protonic Red is the first of many limited-edition variants of the i8, and there’s a good chance that at least one of them will make the trip across the Atlantic.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Cars

The 10 best car battery brands in 2024

How to test a car battery

You must know this, but your car needs a battery to run properly. A dead battery means a car won't start, but various electronics in the car won't work properly either, including overhead dome lights, the radio, and even some security features, like door locks or alerts. So, it's in your best interest to ensure your vehicle's battery is in tip-top shape at all times. It's especially important if your car or vehicle sits unused for long periods. A trickle charger can help keep the battery powered in those situations, or worst case, a portable jump starter can help you get it going. But eventually, you're going to need to replace your battery, and it will help to know the best car battery brands out there so you know precisely what to replace your old one with. Let's discuss.
AC Delco
In operation for more than a century, AC Delco has been recommended as "the only batteries" for GM vehicles. You'll find them at retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Amazon, and even some Walmarts. They're reliable, reasonably priced, and come with a good warranty, 18 months or above, depending on where you buy. A great AC Delco battery to call out is the Advantage series.

Bosch
Bosch is a solid mid-grade battery provider both in quality and price. They do have some affordable options, but their premium lines are still reasonably priced, with several tiers available for a wide variety of vehicles. The downside is that Bosch batteries are not carried by all retailers like some of the other options on our list, but you can find them online. You can also visit a Bosch service center if there's one near you. Callouts are the S4 to S6 series and the T4 to T6 series. We will say the brand's four-year free replacement warranty is unmatched.

Cars

Tesla’s fix for faulty Cybertruck pedal is simpler than you might think

Tesla Cybertruck

Less than five months after handing over the first Cybertrucks to customers, Tesla has had to recall the electric pickup to fix an issue with the accelerator.

In a notice issued on Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the recall impacts Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to April 4, 2024. This suggests that all -- or almost all -- of the 3,878 Cybertrucks being recalled are those that have been manufactured to date.

Cars

Ford Mustang Mach-E 2024 vs. Mach-E 2023: What’s new in Ford’s electric Mustang?

Blue Ford Mustang Mach-E on a rooftop

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is easily one of the best EVs for the price, offering a solid range, sleek design, and pretty good tech on the inside. In recent years, it has gotten even cheaper -- thanks in large part to a price war between it and the Tesla Model 3. And, the company just took the wraps off of the latest and greatest version of the Mach-E, labeled as the 2024 model.

The 2024 Mustang Mach-E is notably different from the 2023 iteration in some meaningful ways. So much so that we decided to take a look at the two head-to-head -- to see if it was better to pay for the 2024 model or save some cash on any remaining 2023 stock.
Design
The Mustang Mach-E looks relatively unique -- in a good way. And thankfully, Ford has largely kept the overall design the same for the 2024 model, at least when it comes to the more consumer-focused models. The car retains the slatted taillights and crossover size. It also offers a large selection of colors, including the very blue Grabber Blue Metallic, as well as Rapid Red Metallic. It's a good selection of colors, and there should be an option for most buyers.