How It's Made: Dream Cars Season 3 Episode 5 BMW i8

The How It's Made Dream Cars series explores the intricate process of designing and manufacturing some of the world's most luxurious and advanced vehicles. In season 3 episode 5, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing of the BMW i8, an eco-friendly hybrid sports car that is as aesthetic as it is powerful.

The episode starts out by showcasing a breathtaking view of the BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany. From there, viewers get to join the tour led by a BMW i8 production expert as they delve into the details of the car's design and assembly process. The BMW i8 is described as a hybrid sports car because it can run purely on electric power, but once the batteries run low, it switches to its high-performance gasoline engine, allowing drivers to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing speed and power.

The episode shows the intricate assembly of the car, which features an aluminum frame reinforced with carbon fiber that makes it lightweight yet durable. Experts discuss the advantages of this design, highlighting how the combination of aluminum and carbon fiber allows the car to accelerate faster, ride smoother, and brake more efficiently, while also minimizing the impact on the environment.

The production expert walks viewers through the manufacturing process of the BMW i8, starting from the early stages of design and prototyping up to the final assembly. The car requires a specialized team to assemble it, with each worker assigned a specific task that contributes to the creation of the complex machine. Viewers get an inside look at the assembly line, where robots are among the team of workers in charge of assembling the parts into a cohesive whole.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is the explanation of how the car's batteries are made. The batteries are one of the most critical components of the BMW i8, as they store electric power and allow the car to run on zero-emissions electric power. The batteries consist of individual cells, with each cell tested before it is integrated into the battery pack. The testing is done to ensure that the cell delivers the expected power output, and if the tests fail, the cell is discarded and replaced.

Another aspect of the show is the detailing of the interior features of the car. Viewers get to see how the dashboards, seats, and other interior components are assembled, including the high-tech control panel that allows the driver to customize the driving experience. The episode also highlights how the car's exterior is meticulously designed, with the bodywork made of specially formulated materials that are both lightweight and durable.

Overall, the episode is a fascinating look at the production of one of the world's most advanced sports cars. The BMW i8 is more than just a high-performance vehicle; it is an environmentally conscious machine that combines ergonomics, performance, and design in one seamless package. The show does an outstanding job of showcasing the cutting-edge technology and intricate design that goes into creating a car that is not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. Anyone with an interest in automobiles, eco-friendly design, or engineering will find this episode educational and captivating.