BMW is one of the biggest automobile giants out there but you don’t need us to know that now, do you? BMW celebrated the US launch of the i8 plug-in sports car with style last weekend. The German Automaker in collaboration with Jay Leno managed to auction off the one of a kind i8 at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach.
Once all was done and dusted, the i8 was auctioned off for a better part of a million dollars. The i8 ‘Concours d’Elegance Edition’ was given special treatment thanks to the unique colouring scheme that was used. The color used was ‘Individual Frozen Grey Metallic’ on the outside whereas the interior was Dalbergia Brown leather. The finishing touched included the iBlue accenting, laser etchings of ‘Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Edition’ and the headrests with embossment of ‘BMW i8’.
This particular model is also the first one in US with laser headlight technology, although this technology is still awaiting US government’s approval. BMW, to be on the safe side, mentioned that it could be retrofitted once the delivery was made if need. The car was sold for $825,000 when the Gooding and Company finally dropped the gavel and as per BMW, the auction price is record-breaking. The auction-proceeds are going to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation that is responsible for raising funds for Monterey County Youth and also distributes athletics, arts, environmental sciences, educational and community grants.
The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid comes with a 360 hp powertrain that works with harmony between a rear driven 1.5 liter turbo 3-cylinder engine and front driven electric motor. This duo is capable of generating enough power for the car to go from 0 to 60 Mph in 4.2 seconds. The car can also drive for 20 miles with zero-emissions. It took five years for this car to transform from a concept into a reality.
The BMW i8 is truly an amazing car