It feels like we've been waiting an eternity for the BMW i8 Roadster to be revealed. BMW first announced its plans to build a topless i8 way back in 2012 and it's been one of our most eagerly anticipated roadsters ever since. Back in July, BMW gave us a first look at the i8 Roadster but didn't announce a reveal date. Thankfully, we don't have long to wait for the hybrid coupe to drop its top, as the BMW i8 Roadster will make its world debut later this month at the LA Auto Show according to BMW Blog.
BMW still hasn't made an official announcement, but BMW Blog is confident about its claim. According to BMW Blog, the i8 Roadster will be introduced at the LA Show with a new Electric Copper color and will feature an electric soft top that can be opened in 14 seconds at speeds of up to 37 mph. The i8 Roadster will also reportedly have double the battery capacity of its coupe counterpart, resulting in a longer driving range on electric power. The current i8 Coupe's 7.1 kilowatt-hour battery pack is rated at 14.2 miles (EPA), so the i8 Roadster could potentially double that range.
As well as an upgraded battery pack, the i8 Roadster will receive revised chassis tuning and an increase in power to around 400 hp. The i8 Coupe produces 357 hp and is often criticized for being underpowered, so the Roadster's power boost is certainly welcome. BMW's iDrive infotainment system is also expected to receive significant updates, as are the driver assists. BMW Blog claims that more details will be revealed within the next two weeks before BMW lifts the wraps off the i8 Roadster at the LA Auto Show on November 29. After its reveal, the i8 Roadster is expected to go on sale in early 2018.