2016, BMW’s centenary year, could see the launch of an even quicker BMW i8, though, say insiders, it won’t be an M division product.
Even though BMW has stated that their “i” and “M” brands will never mix, according to the Auto Express website, engineers at BMW’s “i” division are looking at a model that will really showcase what the i8’s lightweight carbon fibre structure and plug-in hybrid drivetrain can do.
Currently the turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor are good for a combined output of 266 kW and 570 N.m of torque. Apparently BMW’s white coats are targeting 335 kW and a 0-100 km/h time of under four seconds (the i8 did it in 4,36 secs when tested for our March 2015 issue), but that’s unlikely to be possible using the existing three-cylinder motor. Which is why they’re looking at a hybrid configuration using a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine instead.
This bigger powerplant will obviously be heavy and to maintain the i8’s 1 485kg kerbweight, BMW will likely employ a stripped-out, two-seater interior and leave the body panels unpainted.
As you can see in Auto Express’s render, the hotter i8 would like feature a wider and lower body, bigger wheels and brakes and an integrated rear wing.
