10-13-2017, 11:56 AM | #1 |
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Next gen i8 could be smaller
Just speculating
The i8 is rather large and is particularly wide. I was thinking that given battery energy density advances, it should be possible for the next gen i8 to be shorter, and also slightly narrower. Making it even lighter, more nimble and a pure 2 seater. I do like and make use of the rear seats, but I am aware that I am in the minority. This old article has some interesting observations: https://blog.caranddriver.com/all-ab...entire-design/ The coupe does look right visually though, unlike the slightly too long (at the rear) roadster. Also notable is that the current i8 can have 36% more electric power from the front motor, but at the expense of battery longevity. In comparison, Tesla uses full power in Ludicrous mode, seriously reducing battery life. This also means that with data from the current i8, BMW might well unlock more of the battery's power for future models. There is no incentive for them to do this for current cars. |
10-15-2017, 03:57 AM | #2 |
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Let?s hope it?s a software limitation on power and not cabling, and a later software release could give a power increase for those accepting reduced battery life and any warranty implications.
I want both a power increase and the same range - which could be achieved by only releasing more electric power in sport mode on full throttle. Otherwise the normal power is used. I?m still hoping for the option to drop out the current battery pack and replace with the roadster pack assuming it is still installed in the same aluminium casing and that it does have higher capacity. |
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10-15-2017, 05:54 AM | #3 |
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I don't think you are in the minority for using your back seats. I use my back seats all the time. Just not for people.
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10-15-2017, 07:46 AM | #4 | |
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You've just made a Lotus Exige---the i8 has great presence as it is, making it smaller would disrupt the art of the car IMO..... |
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10-15-2017, 10:31 AM | #5 |
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10-15-2017, 10:34 AM | #6 | |
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However, I am not so sure BMW will offer a swap as an option. And there is also a question whether any control electronics might need changing, as the new car has some differences. Either way, in performance terms it would be uneconomic to upgrade in this way. Tiny gains for a lot of money IMO. |
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10-15-2017, 11:37 AM | #7 |
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I agree, I use them all the time to carry various things. The back seat space also allows the front seat to go back further therefore accommodating my 6'7" frame. The lack of a rear seat may be a deal killer for me as I consider the NSX.
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10-15-2017, 12:25 PM | #8 | |
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There was an unused 2" of "recline space" though, so this could easily be fixed in the production model. |
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10-15-2017, 05:02 PM | #9 |
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10-16-2017, 09:29 AM | #10 |
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I hope they stop making it
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2015 BMW i8, 2018 Triumph Bobber Black, 2005 Lotus Elise Widebody, 2019 Rav4 Hybrid, 2019 Tundra TRD, 2019 Trek Powerfly 5 (love it!)
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10-16-2017, 10:18 AM | #11 |
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I was just reading in a german car magazine that Production stops 2020 a new i8 full electric comes 2021. But they didn?t publish the source.
Link: http://m.bild.de/bild-plus/auto/auto...ildMobile.html |
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10-30-2017, 04:17 PM | #12 | |
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11-02-2017, 05:08 PM | #13 |
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BMW's investment in i Division was never meant to pay off on sales of the i cars. It was always meant to be a test-bed for technologies they could develop and then use in volume in series cars.
Having said that, BMW did seem to get cold feet part-way through their project, but seem on track now. |
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11-13-2017, 08:48 PM | #14 |
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I went to sit in a NSX today, and being a tall guy I can't get my feet on the pedals (knees won't fit under the dash).
So here's hoping the next i8, especially the spyder, is as roomy as the current i8. And a little faster wouldn't hurt! |
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