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From Doc Brown's Delorean to Speed Racer's Mach Five, the futuristic sports cars of the silver screen have intrigued us since childhood. But no matter how much we fantasized about these iconic rides and their innovative designs, they always seemed to belong to some distant future — until now. The i8 — BMW's plug-in hybrid powered by an electric motor and gasoline engine — does more than revive our hopes for a modern day Mach Five, it completely redefines what a sports car can be. Common opinion would have you believe that hybrids have poor performance or a clunky look, but that could not be further from the truth with the BMW i8. The BMW i8 might not be a time machine, but its design is certainly a window into the future. Between its blue accents and low- slung stance, its striking exterior is sure to turn the head of every passerby in its vicinity. The hybrid's sporty aesthetic is heightened by features such as swan-wing doors, interlocking panels, and minimalist lines. More than just a beautiful shell, many of the features that make the i8 visually appealing play a pivotal role in its aerodynamics. The body's horizontal lines serve as a wind tunnel, reducing overall drag. More subtle aspects, such as a closed underbody, also enhance the i8's aerodynamics. The sum of these versatile designs equal better fuel efficiency and a more comfortable ride. Additionally, the vehicle's use of lightweight ON AUTOMOTIVE FA L L | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 116

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