SANTA MONICA, California -- BMW will launch a roadster version of its i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe within two years.
BMW first unveiled an i8 roadster concept at the 2012 Beijing auto show. The production car has been delayed a number of times, reports have said, even though the Beijing show that the car was close to production.
BMW CEO Harald Krueger said at a press conference in Santa Monica, California on Tuesday that the i8 roadster would be added to the automaker's lineup in 2018.
Kruger gave no other details. The i8 roadster and a revised coupe are expected to get a longer-range battery and a more powerful electric motor.
Krueger also said that orders were "very positive" for the revised i3 with additional battery capacity. The i3 now has a range of 300 km (186 miles), up from the previous 190 km (118 miles).
Automotive News Europe contributed to this report
