BMW i8
BMW i8
CAR magazine reports that next year, BMW
on its hundredthanniversary (company was founded in March 1916) will present a plug-in hybrid supercar that will later go on sale in 2017.It will be based on the i8 and gets code name i8S.
“It is not merely an engineering showpiece but a proper production model, CAR understands. Although it is loosely based on the i8, the flagship coupe features so many bespoke parts that it could almost be described as a new car. The i8’s Life and Drive modules – the carbonfibre upper and the aluminium-intensive chassis – will be retained, but the individual elements are more comprehensively integrated, the material mix is even more diverse and the more efficient packaging eliminates the token rear seats in favour of a bigger luggage bay, sources say.
Expect a virtually redesigned suspension with more aggressive kinematics, along with stronger brakes and wider tyres. Even though the new flagship coupe bears a certain resemblance to the i8, it is safe to expect that the car will sport an even more dynamic look as well as ground-effect aerodynamics.”
Power will go up by some 150 HP compared to the i8, so acceleration will be even better (0-62 mph is expected to be just 3.5 seconds).
“This remains an i8-based sports car, which means it’ll still be a plug-in hybrid. Total system power output will reportedly be in excess of 500bhp; the combined torque stands around the 520lb ft mark.
The new mid-engined coupe is still being evaluated in two different configurations: one features a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine rated at approximately 320bhp, the other one boasts a 3.0-litre straight six good for close to 480bhp.
While the petrol engine drives the rear wheels just like in the i8, the electric motor propels the front wheels. Its power output is 109bhp when mated to the six and 204bhp when supporting the four.”
Well, it seems that more and more performance plug-in hybrids are coming, however this time rather in limited quantity.
