BMW gives first glimpse of i8 Roadster

That's right, this is a sneak peek at the third model in the BMW i family, which is the open-top development of the existing 362hp coupe.

No details as yet, although it will undoubtedly run the same 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine and electric motor combination (driving all four wheels) as its sibling, meaning a 0-100km/h time of around 4.5 seconds should be possible.

Anything else?

This teaser video doesn't show the i8 Roadster with its hood down, but you do get a few glimpses of how the hood mechanism looks in situ. We think, from these shots, that there could be a Porsche 911 Targa/Mazda MX-5 RF folding action going on, in which part of the rear bodywork moves out of the way to hide the fabric top.

See the video right here.

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