A new concept electric car to be unveiled by BMW at the upcoming CES 2016 in Las Vegas is expected to herald the arrival of the cabriolet version of its i8 electric sports car.

BMW CEO Harold Krueger recently confirmed news of the production of the cabriolet version of the i8 starting next year in an interview to German newspaper Handelsblatt, reports evo.co.uk. The cabriolet will be known as the BMW Spyder or the BMW i8s and will be the third model in the BMW i series of electric cars.

A lot will be disclosed about the Spyder at CES 2016, which is the world’s leading consumer technology exhibition and is unlike conventional car shows with its focus on technology. BMW is expected to demonstrate technological innovations and showcase the Spyder’s technological improvements over BMW’s other electric sedans.

What we know so far is the i8 Spyder will be powered by a 1.5 litre 3 cylinder engine boosted by 228 bhp and when combined with an electric motor can generate129 bhp. Together, both power plants are capable of pushing the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The sports car has a top speed of 250 km/h.

The yet-to-arrive Spyder suggests the new car’s going to have battery upgrades and more potential power than the i8. Also, expect powertrain changes for this car likely to be announced by BMW at CES, states IBTimes.co.uk.

BMW will also reveal plans for the Spyder’s roof and other parts of the car. When the BMW i8 was introduced in 2012, it featured a removable roof panel that’s likely to be changed in the production version.

An updated version of the BMW i8 expected to later in 2016.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or tell us what you think below.

RELATED STORIES