MOHAMED Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exclusive BMW Group importer in Saudi Arabia, organized a series of events recently to showcase the revolutionary BMW i8 plug-in hybrid, much to the delight of discerning customers, automotive enthusiasts and BMW fans across the Kingdom. Held at the luxurious 5 star Kempinski hotel in Riyadh and Rosewood hotel in Jeddah, the events provided an exclusive opportunity for guests to get behind the wheel of the world's first sustainable and most progressive 2+2 seater sports car and learn more about its fuel efficient technologies and superior driving capabilities under the supervision of BMW Professional instructors. Stavros Paraskevaides, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors (BMW Group), said: “The BMW i8 is the future of the automotive industry and in particular, sports performance driving. Combining the power of a sports car and the fuel efficiency of a small vehicle is nothing short of revolutionary. We have organized these two events to give our customers, who continue to demand the most technologically advanced vehicles, the opportunity to have a first-hand experience of the future of motoring.” With its ultra-dynamic proportions, elegantly sporty lines, low-slung silhouette and futuristic design features, the BMW i8 has caused a sensation on the roads since going on sale across the Kingdom in September last year. A sports car character and the typical BMW driver orientation are both equally prominent in its design. The front view exudes sporting ability in its purest form, while large front apron air intakes arranged over several levels generate a powerful feeling of depth. The extremely broad BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance. In addition, full-LED headlights are standard and innovative laser headlights, available as an option later this year, proving intense light that will illuminate the roads for up to 600m - double the distance of conventional LED lights. With its striking conical shape, stylish kidney grille and lightweight construction using Carbon fibre Reinforced Plastic, the i8 features BMW LifeDrive architecture – the worlds' first body architecture specifically designed and purpose-built for series production of electric cars. The BMW i8's intelligent hybrid is also powered by the latest generation BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which, in typical BMW sports car fashion, drives through the rear wheels, and capitalizes on a potent electric motor which sends drive to the front wheels resulting in a combined power output of 362hp delivered to all four wheels. When united, the dual motors work in harmony to allow the BMW i8 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds while using just 2.1 litres of petrol per 100kms and emitting just 59g/km of emissions. It can also run for up to 35 kilometres on its electric motor alone, emitting zero emissions at up to 120km/h. It has a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, and can be operated solely in all electric drive (zero emissions) for around 35 kilometres – and the battery of the plug-in hybrid can be continuously charged by the petrol engine while driving. Due to its lightweight of just 1,490 kg, it provides a total range of more than 500 kilometres. — SG
