The BMW i8 may be ideal for Southern California. The convertible hybrid model, which BMW indicates will enter production next year, currently features specs that include a 15-mile all-electric range, and a full-power rating of 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The car is also lightweight, features nearly ideal weight distribution, as is very easy on the eyes.

As a quick hybrid EV, the car has it in spades. But the i8 is also a thing of beauty, and features some of the more adventurous and graceful design language in the BMW lineup. The arresting lines of the car are testament to the years of R&D which BMW has invested to bring the model to this stage of development. It’s a symbol of the next phase of BMW’s very serious approach to high-performance driving, a symbol of company potential; it’s also a symbol of a burgeoning eco-sensitivity within its present and future customer base.

The top looks to be a Targa, which would make sense: a characteristically raised back end allowing for extremely fluid aerodynamics. The T-top will probably be a soft design incorporated into the body of the car for easy, pushbutton raising and lowering. The i8 also features scissor, or vertical-opening doors, a design feature in keeping with its forward-thinking sensibility, and not possible with a traditional ragtop configuration.

As far as powertrain, the i8 will be outfitted with a 1.5L twin-turbocharge 3-cylinder IC engine, and a 7.1 kWh lithium ion battery; IC powers the back, and the electric system powers the front axles. BMW claims the lightweight car can hit 60 in 4.2 seconds using their combined power, but the 76 MPG fuel rating may be the most dazzling number the car, as it stands, has to offer.