On its third day the Detroit Auto Show did not disappoint. BMW showed its version of the future with styling of its i8 concept car while Tesla Motors presented futuristic designs available today by debuting their Model X and Supercharger Station.
BMW i8 Concept –
BMW i8 Front View
BMW i8 Side View
BMW’s i8 concept is one of the most radical designs yet seen at this year’s show. Aside from its futuristic styling it also boasts futuristic performance.
According to BMW, “Acceleration of 0 to 60 in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption of approx. 104 mpg are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to the eDrive technology with its large lithium-ion battery… the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 20 miles on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.”
Oh yeah, I’d be buying this for the “practicality”. That’s what I’d tell my girlfriend.
Tesla Motors Model X & Supercharger Station –
Tesla Model X Front View
Tesla Motors has long been the vanguard of the sporty electric car, but this year the all-electric company unveiled a “design prototype” that blends an SUV with a Minivan.
Dubbed the Tesla Model X, Tesla describes the car as, “Model X is a family vehicle with performance roots. With a center of gravity lower than any other SUV, you’ll notice nimble reflexes at every turn… Model X Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, outperforming the fastest SUVs and
many sports cars.”
An Artistic Rendering of a Tesla Supercharger Station
Tesla also showed off its Supercharger charging stations. “Tesla Superchargers are placed along well-traveled routes in North America. Nine stations are currently active, expanding to over 100 stations in 2015. They’re designed to give road trippers half a charge in about half an hour. That’s 150 miles of range with our 85 kWh battery.”
Check back in tomorrow for more updates from the Detroit Auto Show.
Images Courtesy of BMWblog & Tesla Motors