Despite recent reports, the bosses in Munich have not ruled out a successor to the first generation BMW i8 hybrid sportscar. In fact, the second-generation i8 project is being currently evaluated, but it remains to be seen whether it gets greenlit and what type of drivetrain it will receive.
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There are two obvious choices: one would be the current tech with a plug-in hybrid architecture but with improved power delivery and electric range, while the alternative would be a fully electric i8 which could take on the highly-touted hypercars.
Its design will also be just as futuristic and exciting as the current model, likely with its own design language that will make it stand out among the other BMWs. The i subdivision’s design chief – Domagoj Dukec – is known for its bold approach so expect to see a car that will take us well into the future when it comes to lines and tech used.
When the BMW i8 first debuted in 2014, it was a revolutionary design. It was the first mid-engine car to offer a carbon fiber passenger cell and a hybrid powertrain at anywhere near its price point. At the time, if you wanted another mid-engine, carbon fiber plug-in hybrid, you’d have to go with the million-dollar McLaren P1. The BMW i8 was just north of $100,000.
Fast forward a few years and the i8 is still fantastic looking and it never lost its spaceship feel. It has also received a mild refresh this year that brings the quality of its interior to a higher level.
If approved, the new i8 will debut certainly after 2020 and it will be included in the 25 electric cars strategy outlined several times by BMW.
aslong as it has a V10 + electric motor then ill be happy. from customer reports most said they wanted a bigger engine and more power (actual owners of the i8)
going from a 3-cyl to a 10 is a bit extreme but I agree on something with more oomph than a 3-cyl. Performance on the i8 doesn’t match it’s looks, neither does the technology. Full electric is another option.
if u watch a trailer for the bmw i8 some guy that ordered one in the video said i thought this car had a v10 thats why i wanted to buy it. bmw considered it and i dont think its extreme at all
I’m sorry but if someone buys a car, any car, without knowing what’s powering it gets what they deserve. I call BS. Now if you want to make a case for a mid-engine V-10 BMW coupe then I’m onboard but it would still likely be a V8 before reinvesting in the engineering required for limited run V10 – and it’ wouldn’t be an “i” sub-brand.
Now that they have the 8 Series, i think the i8 should be more of a sport car and less of a GT. Make it electric, stop with the skinny tires, and built a car that can compete with something like a 911 Turbo, or at least a Carrera S. Maybe even do an i8 M if you feel like it that’ll come in supercar territory (but remove the back seats though).
Yes… Make it more like the Porsche 918.
$845,000?
Or flammable?
Porsche 918 has 860 hp. For BMW will be enough 500-600 of pure electric power. For reasonable money.
600hp makes sense, likely as base version. Perhaps they make an S version with 900-1000hp. That Tesla Roadster 2.0 is scheduled to churn over 1000hp and Bimmer have promised their battery technology aims to be more powerful and efficient.
Ridiculous? Reckon it’ll be more of a Tesla Roadster 2.0 competitor. Can’t exactly call the Porsche 918 (big time loss maker) a commercial success and BMW prefer to make cars they can actually sell, for a bit of profit, to a good number of people to enjoy.
A derivative of the S55 (BMW’s swansong is an inline six) coupled with a high performance electric drivetrain that gives it AWD. THIS would have the potential for it to be in 911 Turbo territory.
Until the next gen arrives, the current one screams for one more cylinder.
Think so too, a “big” 4 cylinder with around 300hp combined with a greater e machine at around 200hp and it could easily reach over the 500hp mark which would be already very very nice in combination with updated suspension etc.