BMW has confirmed production of its i8 plug-in hybrid sportscar will come to an end in April 2020. The Munich-based firm confirmed its plans after the 20 000th i8 rolled off the assembly line at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig.

While production of the coupé started at the site back in 2014, the roadster joined the assembly line as recently as February 2018.

The milestone vehicle is a roadster in “Ultimate Sophisto Edition” guise, of which just 200 units will be built. Finished in Sophisto Grey, the vehicle is destined for a customer in Germany.

"The BMW i8 is a very special automobile that stands for driving pleasure from Leipzig in a unique way," said plant manager Hans-Peter Kemser.

"Representing this combination of highly innovative materials and future-oriented drive concept in a stable and efficient series process is still unique in the automotive industry worldwide,” Kemser added.

The all-paw i8 is powered by a turbocharged 1,5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor (the latter drawing urge from a 34 Ah battery), resulting in total system outputs of 275 kW and 570 N.m. In South Africa, the coupé is priced from R2 095 200, while the roadster starts at R2 329 300.

 

Original article from Car