Deep Dive: BMW Readies Hotter i8

In 2016, BMW turns a hundred. there'll be lots to celebrate therein centenary year, as well as the initial fuel-cell-powered BMW (based on the five Series GT) as well as the initial model co-developed with Toyota, particularly the Z4 replacement. With the passing of that milestone, BMW can launch a replacement inexperienced supercar -- capably codenamed M100. Almost certain be badged i8S, the new supercar isn't just AN engineering oddment however a correct production model.
The effort is being spearheaded by Project i team leader Ulrich Kranz, beneath new program director Roberto Fedeli, United Nations agency recently emotional over from Ferrari. though it's loosely supported the BMW i8, the flagship machine options such a big amount of tailor-made elements that it may nearly be represented as a replacement automobile. The life module and therefore the drive module -- the carbon fiber higher and therefore the aluminum-intensive chassis -- are going to be preserved, however the individual parts square measure additional comprehensively integrated, the fabric combine is even additional numerous, and therefore the revised packaging eliminates the token rear seats in favor of a much bigger bags bay, sources say. Since BMW has learned a ton regarding carbon fiber with the i3 and i8, the corporate can clearly try and more improve vital aspects like torsional and bending rigidity, crash performance, and sturdiness. conjointly on the kerfuffle list could be a firmer, reworked suspension in conjunction with stronger brakes and wider tires. Even tho' the new automobile bears a bound likeness to the i8, we expect that it will sport an even more dynamic look as well as more aggressive aerodynamic aids.



Whereas today’s BMW i8 marries its turbo three-cylinder’s 228 power unit and 236 lb-ft of force with 129 power unit and 184 lb-ft from its motor, the new flagship’s gas-electric powertrain reportedly can boast a combined output in far more than five hundred power unit, with force of around five hundred lb-ft. Why can’t we have a tendency to be additional specific? as a result of right currently, the new mid-engine plug-in supercar remains being evaluated in 2 totally different configurations. One options a twin-turbo a pair of.0-liter four rated at or so three20 hp; the opposite one boasts a 3.0-liter straight-six sensible for shut to 480 power unit. whereas the internal-combustion engine drives the rear wheels even as within the BMW i8, the electrical motor propels the front wheels. Its power output is 109 power unit once mated to the six and 204 power unit once supporting the four. Common to each versions could be a rear-mounted integrated starter generator, that develops twenty seven power unit. A dual-clutch transmission parses the force into 9 slices. Although the curb weight of the S model is certain to exceed the three,455 pounds recorded for the i8, the additional 150-plus horses ought to nevertheless offer a transparent performance advantage. the highest speed might once more be restricted to one hundred fifty five mph, however the 0-62 mph acceleration is claimed to enhance from four.1 to 3.5 seconds.
Since strong demand suggests that BMW could have charged more for the bottom i8 (pictured here) than $136,625 with destination, the i8S can possible carry a thirty % premium over its relative. Look for it to reach showrooms in late 2017.