Not only has BMW confirmed that the production version of the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will be on parade at the Frankfurt motor show in September, alongside the i3 electric citycar, but also that visitors to the show will able to drive the battery Beemers on an almost 300-metre track on three levels.
Which not only turns a static display into an event in its own right, it means that even show visitors who don't drive the cars will be able to see them from every angles as they moved around the circuit, thus lending new meaning to the term '360-degree display'.
BMW Group marketing head Steven Althaus explained: "At Frankfurt, one of the most important motor shows worldwide, we present our latest products on an emotional level.”
"At this year's show the focus will be on electric mobility, to create enthusiasm for our electric cars."
Over the twelve days of the show, the electric cars will drive, emission-free, about 9100km - equivalent to the distance from Frankfurt to San Francisco. There will be hourly demonstrations on the main stage and visitors can also take a seat in five differently-configured BMW i3's, where specially-trained "Product Geniuses" will be on hand to answer questions about how they work.
CONVENTIONAL CARS
Conventionally-powered BMW models on display will include the 4 Series Coupé, the new X5, the new 5 Series models and M Performance cars - as well as the Concept Active Tourer Outdoor, providing an preview of space functionality in future sports and leisure vehicles from the Blue Propeller Company.
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