[orion1977]

Here are all the lap times: http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/motortrend-figure-8

[vance]

It's an interesting read but I don't think many i8 owners would lose sleep over a 2.4 second difference in a figure 8 lap from an i8 to a $1mill+ Porsche 918 Spyder. I assume those tests are also done with the stock Bridgestone Potenza tires which aren't all that great.

[orion1977]

Here’s the list of actual laps. I’m sorry, but it hangs in there with some tough company performance wise:

http://fastestlaps.com/models/bmw-i8

[stressdoc]

Originally Posted by orion1977

Here are all the lap times: http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/motortrend-figure-8

A bit bizarre with the repetitions of a number of cars. And the i8 is faster than the Bugatti Veyron, and tied with the Ferrari 430? Really?

[Maanpur]

Originally Posted by orion1977

Here’s the list of actual laps. I’m sorry, but it hangs in there with some tough company performance wise:

http://fastestlaps.com/models/bmw-i8

You are right. i8 is a very capable car and handles extremely well around the corners. It may not be the fastest in a straight line but it just works. I think overall i8 is a great car.

[ericsi]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

A bit bizarre with the repetitions of a number of cars. And the i8 is faster than the Bugatti Veyron, and tied with the Ferrari 430? Really?

The bug weighs two tons, the 430 has two wheel drive and less torque.

[NGR]

Originally Posted by ericsi

The bug weighs two tons, the 430 has two wheel drive and less torque.

The i8, like most BMWs is about balance and finesse as well as looks.

Put an M3 around a track against the more powerful equivalents from Audi or Merc and you'll find the M3 wins.

Top Gear did an M3 against a C63 and (I think) an S4 a few years ago - the M3 walked it on the track.

[Jo-Sta07]

The 720s will be at the top of that board when they release the test figures in a couple weeks. The car redefines performance.

[Jo-Sta07]

Told ya....

[Sophisto]

Would be interesting to know:

Weather/Track conditions/Outside temperature?
Tyre dimensions? (early tests/lap times could be done on 195/215 instead of 215/245)

[stressdoc]

Even with the wider 215/245 set up the i8 is by far the most tire-handicapped car on the list. Put equivalent performance rubber to the Porsches, Ferraris, Lambos and the i8 might improve as much as a half or even a whole second.

[Jo-Sta07]

McLaren 570s has 225/275 tires which isn't much better and it's probably 100+ spaces ahead. Just saying.

[stressdoc]

Originally Posted by Jo-Sta07

McLaren 570s has 225/275 tires which isn't much better and it's probably 100+ spaces ahead. Just saying.

Apples and oranges. The tires on the McClaren are optimal, the best possible dry performance tires for getting the 570s around a track as fast as possible. The tires on the i8 are chosen for fuel efficiency. Night and day difference in tires, it's not just about being 3cm wider.

It is unreasonable to expect a stock civilized hybrid DD / superb long distance cruiser to be as fast around a figure-eight as hyper-specialized cars like a Porsche GT or McClaren.

And in this context, "100+ spaces ahead" is kind of puffy. We are looking at a Porsche 918 at 22.20 at the top of the list; the i8 at 24.60 is respectable, to say the least, and in some very heady company. [an aside: IMO the Corvettes stand out as the performance/$ winners here]

My point is that an i8 would likely be much faster on performance tires, whereas most other cars on the list are 'maxed out' in that regard. That said, the Nordschleife time of 8:19 is pretty telling in regard to the the i8's [lack of] performance.

[Jo-Sta07]

As an owner, the i8 isn't a high performance car. It's an incredibly interesting car to own, but no exotic. An M3 is a quicker car.

[ImGoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by Jo-Sta07

As an owner, the i8 isn't a high performance car. It's an incredibly interesting car to own, but no exotic. An M3 is a quicker car.

I agree, I have an M3 and chose the i8 simply to experience something unique. Living in New York, i hardly get to use even a 1/3 of the M's capabilities