BMW i8 spied sliding on ice [video]

Here is a spy video of the upcoming 2013 BMW i8 doing some cold weather testing on a frozen lake up around the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia.

Still wearing the now signature sky-blue and white camouflage of the 'i' sub-brand, this i8 prototype is still virtually identical to the Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle which we've seen plenty of. Although, this test vehicle here is sporting a third brake light and a slightly altered rear fascia with integrated diffuser.

Contrary to previous reports of the i8 using a petrol engine only to appeal to global markets, BMW's sales and marketing director, Ian Robertson, in a recent interview with AutoExpress said, "...this is a great opportunity to produce a ground-breaking performance car, and there's no need to provide a petrol-only model. I've driven it a lot recently and it has all the performance you could need."

The BMW i8 is slated for launch in 2013 and will cost around £150,000 (€175,285 / $242,680).

Oh, at the 1:42 mark the test driver gets out to take a leak.

You know, just thought we'd point that out.