BMW teases i8 Spyder concept ahead of CES debut

BMW has teased an interior shot of the i8 Spyder concept, ahead of its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.

The open-top version of the i8 was originally unveiled as a concept at the Beijing Motor Show in 2012, but plans to bring it to the road quickly stalled.

However, the German luxury car manufacturer has now resurrected the i8 Spyder, with the updated concept version to be displayed next month at the CES in Las Vegas. The car is expected to enter production later next year or in 2016.

The i8 Spyder will incorporate what BMW calls as the ‘Air Touch’, a technology that uses sensors to record hand movements in the area between the central console and the interior mirror.

Air Touch aims to take 7 Series’ gesture control technology to another level, by reducing the number of steps to make a selection. Actions can also be confirmed using a button located on the rim on the steering wheel.

It remains to be seen whether the i8 Spyder will carry the same power unit as its sibling. The i8 has a 1.5-litre, turbocharged direct-injection, three cylinder petrol engine that produces 231 horses at the rear wheels. An electric motor powers the front wheels, producing an additional 131 bhp.