BMW i8 Production Prototype Explores Icy Earth Terrain

We've seen the BMW's extraterrestrial i8 winter testing before, but that was nothing but a concept car frolicking in the snow. This time it looks like the real deal, gullwing doors and all.

Unlike the bonkers diesel-hybrid concept car, the production i8 will use a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine to power the rear wheels and an electric motor to power the front wheels. We've been promised a 0-60 sprint in under five seconds and fuel economy of 87 miles per gallon.

The car isn't expected to hit showrooms until 2014, so until then our dreams of a midengined, hyper-efficient, rear-drive BMW flagship will have to rest with this video and Mission Impossible.

(Hat Tip to: DukeofBirnam!)