The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid convertible concept was revealed this week, and some media outlets have suggested it's already received approval for production.
The new Spyder will likely be introduced in 2015, which coincides with earlier estimates that a new Spyder model will be released two years after the coupe option.
Bimmerpost.com recently reported that the i8 Spyder has received approval for production from an unnamed source.
BMW first introduced the i8 Spyder back in 2012 and the first concept was revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
"The last architecture presented some fairly major challenges, to be able to produce a convertible in that format," a spokesman said to Autocar. "The rigidity was hard to find with that particular architecture."
Photos of an i8 intent model shows comes with a Solar Orange color scheme, which is also offered on the i3, with blue headlights and a similar driving range to the i3 as well.
It will likely come with a 1.5-liter TwinPower turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine, along with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.
The vehicle's front-mounted electric motor powers the front wheels, totaling 357 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The vehicle can sprint to 62 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds, according to BMW.
The convertible can run solely on its electric battery for approximately 22 miles.
The coupe will be sold for a base price of $135,925, so it's almost a guarantee that the convertible will be sold for more than that.
The most recent 4-Series Convertible sells for $8,000 more than its coupe companion.
Automobile magazine feels that the convertible will likely miss the 2015 production goal, though no set backs have been confirmed by the German automaker.
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