Spied: Mission Efficient. BMW’s i8 Hybrid Supercar Spotted testing

Our trusty Teamspeed spy-photographers managed to snap a few photos of the production version of what’s to become BMW’s plug-in hybrid i8 supercar. Fresh off its U.S. Premiere of MI4 – Ghost Protocol in New York City, this is the first time the “production version” has been seen out testing on public roadways. Last February we caught the Vision EfficientDynamics concept car dashing through the snow in northern Sweden during a little cold-weather testing, but this time we got the real machine!

The i8 will be the reigning monarch of the Bavarian automaker’s new sub-brand, i, once it debuts. The production i8 is said to pack 2+2 seating and a 0-100 km/h time in the 4.8 second range along with a supercar price tag.

There’s been some indication that BMW will forgo the thrifty diesel engine of the concept in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline unit to work in coordination with a hybrid system. While that’s bad news for diesel fans, the fact that BMW is gearing the platform toward gasoline means that this vehicle will more than likely be very powerful. With its light-weight structure and the plug-in hybrid it will, nonetheless, remain a very fuel-efficient car.