BMW i8 Concept Spyder (photos)

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder is a topless two-seater version of the i8 coupe, and will make its first appearance at the Beijing motor show later this month.

Powered by a combined 354-hp eDrive powertrain (131-hp electric motor on the front axle and a 223-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the rear), the i8 Concept Spyder achieves a 0-60 mph of under five seconds and tops out at an electronically controlled 155 mph.

The i8 Concept Spyder has a fuel economy of up to 94 mpg in the European test cycle.

The i8 Concept Spyder makes generous use of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic used in the LifeDrive architecture and features a transparent tailgate.

The interior is decked out in a mixture of plastic, carbon and leather, features a 8.8-inch high definition screen that displays driving information in 3D.

BMW introduced the i8 and i3 electric and plug-in car concepts last year, and the i8 Concept Spyder will keep the sub-band in the public eye until the plug-in hybrid and eletric vehicles enter production some time in 2013.

The i8 Concept Spyder features windowless doors that swing upwards.