BMW i8S And Hotter i8 Duo Tipped To Turn Up EV Power
BMW's i8 hybrid sportscar is tipped to be in line for a power boost, with the Germany company said to have earmarked the eco-friendly coupe for an upgrade to both parts of its powertrain. Distinctively designed both inside and out, the current BMW i8 musters 357 HP and 450 lb-ft of torque from its combination of a three-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor. However, according to industry whispers, both of those are going to be replaced with more powerful versions – among other changes – in a hotter, more focused version, and it may only be the start of BMW's scheming.
According to insiders speaking to Car and Driver, BMW could end up pushing the updated i8's power to over 400 HP.
Meanwhile, there's talk of a torque-vectoring system being fitted too, which would help reduce the tendency toward understeer that the current i8 demonstrates. As it stands, the i8 arguably looks faster than it actually is on the road; BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
The heated-up i8 would be sold alongside the original, though it's unclear what sort of premium it might add to the current sticker price of $135,700.
However BMW's hybrid sports ambitions may not end there. Automobile Magazine claims that BMW is working on a BMW i8S, a new flagship model "loosely based" on the current i8 but with so many differences and bespoke components that it will effectively be a new car.
The existing i8 will donate its lightweight chassis and carbon fiber upper, plus the basics of its powertrain, but likely gain stronger brakes, wider tires, and a more aggressive (and effective) aero package. It's also expected to be stiffer, have better suspension, and ditch the rudimentary rear seats for a bump in luggage space.
Most importantly, though, will be the hybrid technology. BMW is supposedly yet to finalize the engine, but is considering both a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder good for 320 HP, and a 3.0-liter straight-six with around 480 HP. Either way, the final i8S is expected to push out over 500 HP and around 500 lb-ft of torque when the electric drive is factored in.
Rather than the six speed transmission in the current i8, the i8S would use a nine speed dual-clutch gearbox, it's suggested. Acceleration is expected to be in the area of 3.5 seconds 0-60 mph.
According to the leaks, the hotter i8 will be arriving before 2016, while the BMW i8S will follow on in late 2017.
SOURCE Car and Driver; Automobile Magazine