[jadnashuanh]

Originally Posted by TrueBlue12

Mainly cause i'd consider it if its less than 100k, but more than that ehhh

Different target audiences, like comparing apples to oranges, and if price is your differentiator, you'll miss some truly great vehicles. If you cannot afford one, or even if you can, using price is only reasonable when you are comparing something like the cost of coffee, or maybe a Camero to a Mustang - similar markets, same audience, similar price ranges.

[DrShimmy]

I will take the R8 over this anyday.
High revving v10 > hybrid 3 cylinder turbo.

V12 or V10 or v8 biturbo with the same looks and MR engine then we are talking.

[lasovan]

Originally Posted by ddk632

I would. Over either of those cars.

me too. anytime!

[MDM]

Did anybody notice this statement in the article?..."The i8 permits its driver to partly or fully deactivate stability control. This opens up a whole new dynamic experience, where this plug-in hybrid morphs into a flagship M8."

[SedateMe]

Through corners, you can step back on the gas unusually early, open the steering up right after the apex and summon enough lift-off oversteer to put a broad smile on your face.

Umm correct me if I'm wrong but isn't lift-off oversteer associated with front wheel drive cars?

I thought it was where you drive a FWD car hard into a corner and lift-off the throttle mid apex which causes the balance of the car to shift off the rear wheels causing the back end to slide outward.

I think the person who wrote the article was describing power overstreer whereby you apply heavy throttle on exit to break the rear tires loose and cause the rear end to slide outward.

But I might be getting too technical. Glad to see the i8 getting a glowing review already

[ddk632]

The i8 is all wheel drive when both motors are engaged, but the front wheels are driven by the electric motor with all the torque down low (instant) and the rear by the gas engine - so it's possible that unlike a conventional xDrive car, the i8 may have characteristics of both a front wheel drive car and a rear wheel drive car ... Simultaneously.

I am not too technical either so anyone who knows more certainly can correct me.

[Sapper_M3]

Originally Posted by SedateMe

Umm correct me if I'm wrong but isn't lift-off oversteer associated with front wheel drive cars?

I thought it was where you drive a FWD car hard into a corner and lift-off the throttle mid apex which causes the balance of the car to shift off the rear wheels causing the back end to slide outward.

I think the person who wrote the article was describing power overstreer whereby you apply heavy throttle on exit to break the rear tires loose and cause the rear end to slide outward.

But I might be getting too technical. Glad to see the i8 getting a glowing review already

You're not getting too technical, but you are wrong: Lift-Off Oversteer is not a phenomenon reserved (or even predominately occurring) in FWD cars. The weight transfer you described, though, is a fairly accurate depiction of what's happening--and it can happen with either FWD or RWD vehicles.

Power oversteer, however, IS a phenomenon reserved for RWD vehicles.

[kevinlevrone]

It's a very interesting first attempt at a sports electric car and great looking too.

However, I really hope BMW left some room on the interior of the axles for wider tires on this car. 215mm rear tires with the torque of an electric motor is a waste of capabilities. At this power you would need at least 265mm rear tires, and of course, matching front tires - at least 245mm wide.

I suppose you could increase fuel economy in a regular 3-series by at least 5 percent if you would put in such narrow tires...increasing fuel economy by putting in narrow tires is a bit like cheating.

[Rinzler007]

Originally Posted by TrueBlue12

It needs to be reasonably price competitive against the tesla.

The i8 is not compared to tesla at ALL! for starters one is a sedan and the other a sports coupe!

[John Tanglewood]

Originally Posted by bosz

they should have made the i8 with 550-600 HP with combined engine and electric motor. At least then it would have been taken way more seriously. Like an M4 engine and the electric motor would have been WOW and also still pretty relatively fuel efficient

Yes, this has already been said repeatedly over the past year.

[ddk632]

I am going to laugh so hard when the new M1 or M8 comes out or whatever and it's a hybrid!

[imserious]

Kudos to BMW for being the first out of the gate to produce a performance hybrid consumer car.

The initial i8 numbers are not jaw dropping, but the premise of the car may well set the standard for performance cars of the future.

For those who have not experienced the instant torque of an electric engine, it really is something new and exciting.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by imserious

Kudos to BMW for being the first out of the gate to produce a performance hybrid consumer car.

The initial i8 numbers are not jaw dropping, but the premise of the car may well set the standard for performance cars of the future.

For those who have not experienced the instant torque of an electric engine, it really is something new and exciting.

It's impressive but I'd be more impressed if it was truly born fully electric.

Like 4 electric motors, 1 at all four wheels.

[Teutonic]

Originally Posted by Leo88

The i8 is made for someone who wants an electric car with a sporty looks.

Who would ever prefer the BMW over an Jaguar F Type, or an 911?

Me.
I don't like Porsches, they have the same design for over 60 years, not a fan of their cars, nor of their super tight engine bay. Porsche is doing nothing for me.
Jaguar I love and I own, but the F type is not quite "that car" that supposed to be. Beautiful but not the first choice at all.
And i8 is a totally different animal.
Bottom line, i would take the i8. Now I just need to see if I can get one.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by Jason

So where does the i8 fit into the world? It’s not in the same league as those hybrid hypercars, the McLaren P1, La Ferrari and Porsche 918 Spyder. But they pack at least 500bhp more and five extra cylinders, inflated price tags and low production runs. With an annual output of 5000 cars, the i8 won’t be such a rare, shooting star. It’ll offer something different to the Audi R8 and Porsche 911, and appeal to tech-lovers who might not otherwise buy a self-centred sports car.

I'm not sure if the reviewer's point is that ALL sports cars are "self-centered," or just ones that consume more gasoline, but either way I just want to puke when I read that. Shame.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by SedateMe

Umm correct me if I'm wrong but isn't lift-off oversteer associated with front wheel drive cars?

I thought it was where you drive a FWD car hard into a corner and lift-off the throttle mid apex which causes the balance of the car to shift off the rear wheels causing the back end to slide outward.

I think the person who wrote the article was describing power overstreer whereby you apply heavy throttle on exit to break the rear tires loose and cause the rear end to slide outward.

I believe the reviewer IS talking about lift-throttle oversteer because the i8 probably doesn't have any on-throttle oversteer to talk about.

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

I'm not sure if the reviewer's point is that ALL sports cars are "self-centered," or just ones that consume more gasoline, but either way I just want to puke when I read that. Shame.

Who cares? Sports cars are toys. Of course they're self centered. Want to share and be selfless? Get a minivan and start a free carpool service!

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by ddk632

Who cares? Sports cars are toys. Of course they're self centered. Want to share and be selfless? Get a minivan and start a free carpool service!

The implication is that driving an 'Eco' sports car is a sort of penance that relieves the owner of the shame that would normally come from choosing such a self-centered vehicle. Disgusting.

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

The implication is that driving an 'Eco' sports car is a sort of penance that relieves the owner of the shame that would normally come from choosing such a self-centered vehicle. Disgusting.

Not at all.

Quote from the article:

Originally Posted by From the article

So where does the i8 fit into the world? It’s not in the same league as those hybrid hypercars, the McLaren P1, La Ferrari and Porsche 918 Spyder. But they pack at least 500bhp more and five extra cylinders, inflated price tags and low production runs. With an annual output of 5000 cars, the i8 won’t be such a rare, shooting star. It’ll offer something different to the Audi R8 and Porsche 911, and appeal to tech-lovers who might not otherwise buy a self-centred sports car.

The author was referring to "tech-lovers". If he said "tree-huggers" I think you might have a point, but I don't see the connection you're making from his statement.

I don't know what that means and/or why tech-lovers wouldn't want a "self-centred sports car" or whatever. I'm a tech lover, I think. I've never had any issues with regular old sports cars.... and I like the i8 as well. I would like it just the same if it had an S63tu in it. Ok, maybe I'd even like it a bit more, then... although it wouldn't be the same car. I'm actually kind of excited about taking short errand trips on electric only, but then being able to rip it in full sport mode when I feel like it.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by ddk632

Not at all.

Quote from the article:

The author was referring to "tech-lovers". If he said "tree-huggers" I think you might have a point, but I don't see the connection you're making from his statement.

I don't know what that means and/or why tech-lovers wouldn't want a "self-centred sports car" or whatever. I'm a tech lover, I think. I've never had any issues with regular old sports cars.... and I like the i8 as well. I would like it just the same if it had an S63tu in it. Ok, maybe I'd even like it a bit more, then... although it wouldn't be the same car. I'm actually kind of excited about taking short errand trips on electric only, but then being able to rip it in full sport mode when I feel like it.

I never mentioned; and am not motivated by the "tech lover" comment. I am offended by the reference to "self-centered sports cars!"

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

I never mentioned; and am not motivated by the "tech lover" comment. I am offended by the reference to "self-centered sports cars!"

Oh, ok, cool. I was thinking context was important, but hey, fuck it. In that case, you're right!

[Drift Master]

Great concept, freakin expensive and a nightmare to own when warranty runs out. All those extra mpg fuel saved would be erased after one dealer visit out of warranty. The depreciation on this car will likely be outrageous. Its great if u want something unique and its a head turner for sure. However by no stretch of the imagination a wise choice