A head-turning example of BMW’s innovative plug-in hybrid sports car. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-three, delivering 170kW and 320Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. This is supplemented by a 96kW electric motor, driving the front wheels through a two-stage automatic transmission. Combined, the petrol engine and electric motor provide a peak output of 266kW and 570Nm of torque. As well as providing a power boost to assist the petrol engine during acceleration, the electric motor can also deliver up to 23 miles of all-electric running, and the car is capable of a top speed of 75mph on electric power alone. This limited-edition i8 is one of just five ‘Protonic Red Edition’ examples delivered to Australia, and is understood to be the only RHD car currently listed for sale globally. The ‘Protonic Red Edition’ was limited to 180 examples worldwide, of which just five were delivered to Australia. All 180 cars were specified in the eye-catching hue of Protonic Red with Frozen Grey metallic accents, and included W-spoke ‘Style 470’ 20-inch alloy wheels. This example’s cabin is trimmed in black half-leather with black and red cloth inserts, red stitching, and carbon-fibre inlays. Factory-fitted equipment includes front and rear parking assistance with cameras, heated seats, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a digital dashboard, switchable driving modes, automatic LED headlights with high-beam assist, a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, and an iDrive infotainment system with satellite navigation. Accompanying the sale is the owner’s manual, a book on the i8, first aid kit, and tyre inflator, plus the electric battery charger. The paintwork is said to be in excellent condition, with very minor stone chips on the front end and wing mirrors, which the seller states were professionally rectified. Moving inside, save for signs of use on the driver’s seat in line with the mileage, the cabin appears to be in very good shape. The seller is not aware of any mechanical or electrical faults. There is a valid NSW registration in place, which expires on 15 July 2023. The car was last serviced in March 2022 at 35,225 kilometres by BMW. BMW previously performed services in April 2021 at 26,037 kilometres, March 2020 at 17,947 kilometres, and October 2018 at 3,727 kilometres. The now-discontinued BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as an innovative plug-in hybrid sports car, mating a turbocharged inline-three with an electric motor to deliver a choice of silent, electric-only running or a powerful combination of the two power sources. This is a particularly rare example of the breed, and one of just five Protonic Red Edition examples said to be delivered to Australia out of a total production run of 180. Having covered a modest 41,440 kilometres from new, it would make an excellent addition to any collection as well as a rapid, refined, and practical daily driver for any enthusiast. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.