BMW releases five special i8s

BMW Group Australia will release just five examples of the i8 Protonic Red Edition, each priced at the same $299,000 plus on-road costs as the standard i8.

First seen in February, the red-themed i8 limited-edition entered production for Australia in July.

There's no change to the i8's plug-in hybrid powertrain, but each car is finished in bespoke Protonic Red metallic paint with contrasting metallic accents in Frozen Grey, and rides on 20-inch Orbit Grey metallic W-spoke light alloy wheels.

Inside, there's ‘Spheric’ leather trim, red double stitching, anthracite headlining, grey seat belts, exclusive carbon-fibre and black ceramic trims, while further differentiation is provided by velour and leather floor mats with red stitching and door sill finishers with ‘Protonic Red Edition’ designation.

“Since its debut, the BMW i8 has stood out from the sports car crowd,” said BMW Australia managing director Marc Werner.

“The limited-edition Protonic Red Edition is even more exclusive, reinforcing the i8’s unique combination of performance, efficiency and style.”

As we've reported, BMW has confirmed it will release a roadster version of the i8, which last year attracted 5456 customers globally and almost 100 in Australia since late 2014.

BMW is expected to release a midlife upgrade for the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic-bodied i8 at next month's Paris motor show, bringing more power and a longer electric-only driving range.

Right now, the i8's 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine produces 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque, and works with a 96kW/250Nm synchronous electric motor driving the front axle.

Despite combined power and torque outputs of 266kW/570Nm – enough for BMW to claim 0-100km/h acceleration in 4,4 seconds -- fuel consumption is only 2.1L/100 on the combined cycle, and the 7.1kWh (5kWh useable) lithium-ion battery pack can offer 31km of zero-emissions motoring.