BMW releases i8 Spyder concept teaser

German automotive manufacturing company, BMW, has released an image of the upcoming i8 Spyder concept, which shows the car’s cabin.  The addition of a large widescreen colour display, facing the driver, on the passenger side of the car is the most obvious change from the production i8. As the display lacks any obvious interface, BMW may utilise the gesture control system that features on the new 7 Series.

Originally unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in 2012, development of the i8 Spyder has been fraught with difficulties. However, the car is expected to be nearly production ready, hinting that the i8 Spyder will finally go on sale four years after the first concept was shown. In December 2013, officials said the car was presenting "major challenges" to its engineers. Those problems hinged around incorporating the carbonfibre-reinforced plastic body shell construction of the i8 into a convertible format.

Speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK at the time, a company spokesman said there would be "no set timeframe" for the launch of the car. However, it now appears that BMW has solved those challenges, so a launch within the next 12 months is likely. Harald Kruger, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW, has also reportedly told German media that a production version of the car isn't far off.

Alongside improvements to the i8's range of connectivity and safety systems, minor alterations to the car’s powertrain and battery pack are expected to increase its electric-only range above the 37km of the coupé. Like the i8 Coupé, the Spyder features a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine mounted at the rear working with a front-mounted electric motor, producing a combined 228bhp. According to BMW, the i8 Coupé can reach 100kph in 4.4 seconds – a figure the Spyder is expected to match.

The concept is set to make its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. As CES is a technology-focussed event, the concept car is likely to focus more on the i8's technology than its scope as a production model.

The CES 2016 will also see new venture Faraday Future unveil its first concept car. Audi is expected to preview the new A8 with a new autonomous driving concept at the show as well.