[08TXbimmer]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Saw this up at Automobile, don't know how accurate it is.

http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...ies-hotter-i8/

Oct 22, 2014

In 2016, BMW turns 100. There will be plenty to celebrate in that centenary year, including the first fuel-cell-powered BMW (based on the 5 Series GT) as well as the first model co-developed with Toyota, namely the Z4 replacement. With the passing of that milestone, BMW will launch a new green supercar -- aptly codenamed M100. Almost certain be badged i8S, the new supercar is not merely an engineering showpiece but a proper production model.

The effort is being spearheaded by Project i team leader Ulrich Kranz, under new program director Roberto Fedeli, who recently moved over from Ferrari. Although it is loosely based on the BMW i8, the flagship coupe features so many bespoke parts that it could almost be described as a new car. The life module and the drive module -- the carbon fiber upper and the aluminum-intensive chassis -- will be retained, but the individual elements are more comprehensively integrated, the material mix is even more diverse, and the revised packaging eliminates the token rear seats in favor of a bigger luggage bay, sources say. Since BMW has learned a lot about carbon fiber with the i3 and i8, the company will clearly try to further improve critical aspects such as torsional and bending rigidity, crash performance, and durability. Also on the to-do list is a firmer, reworked suspension along with stronger brakes and wider tires. Even though the new car bears a certain resemblance 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 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque with 129 hp and 184 lb-ft from its electric motor, the new flagship’s gas-electric powertrain reportedly will boast a combined output in excess of 500 hp, with torque of around 500 lb-ft. Why can’t we be more specific? Because right now, the new mid-engine plug-in supercar is still being evaluated in two different configurations. One features a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four rated at approximately 320 hp; the other one boasts a 3.0-liter straight-six good for close to 480 hp. While the gasoline engine drives the rear wheels just as in the BMW i8, the electric motor propels the front wheels. Its power output is 109 hp when mated to the six and 204 hp when supporting the four. Common to both versions is a rear-mounted integrated starter generator, which develops 27 hp. A dual-clutch transmission parses the torque into nine slices. Although the curb weight of the S model is bound to exceed the 3,455 pounds recorded for the i8, the extra 150-plus horses should nonetheless provide a clear performance advantage. The top speed may again be limited to 155 mph, but the 0-62 mph acceleration is said to improve from 4.1 to 3.5 seconds.

Since strong demand suggests that BMW could have charged more for the base i8 (pictured here) than $136,625 with destination, the i8S will likely carry a 30 percent premium over its sibling. Look for it to reach showrooms in late 2017.

[08TXbimmer]

My favorite part is: "Whereas today’s BMW i8 marries its turbo three-cylinder’s 228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque with 129 hp and 184 lb-ft from its electric motor, the new flagship’s gas-electric powertrain reportedly will boast a combined output in excess of 500 hp, with torque of around 500 lb-ft. "

500+ hp wow...

[Diesel///M]

😳

[RingMeister01]

Hmmm

[kevinlevrone]

It was about time. They didn't spend $2 billion on R&D to not take advantage of all the new technology in more powerful configuration.

I would name it M8.

[jnkirk1974]

Originally Posted by kevinlevrone

It was about time. They didn't spend $2 billion on R&D to not take advantage of all the new technology in more powerful configuration.

I would name it M8.

I wouldn't call it an M8,unless they made it handle like an M car. Right now, it just isn't worthy, in my opinion.

I think the i8 is very interesting, but I think an M8 should be preserved for something that will truly take on the supercars of the world, in every category.

[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

Meh...a day late and a dollar short...or in this case many years late. This car wont even come close to what the hyper cars are today. Even at that, and based on the i8, this car would have trouble with most high powered cars like the turbo S, 458, etc.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by jnkirk1974

I wouldn't call it an M8,unless they made it handle like an M car. Right now, it just isn't worthy, in my opinion.

The M division doesn't make the current car, so go figure.

[Boss330]

Originally Posted by kevinlevrone

It was about time. They didn't spend $2 billion on R&D to not take advantage of all the new technology in more powerful configuration.

I would name it M8.

Originally Posted by jnkirk1974

I wouldn't call it an M8,unless they made it handle like an M car. Right now, it just isn't worthy, in my opinion.

I think the i8 is very interesting, but I think an M8 should be preserved for something that will truly take on the supercars of the world, in every category.

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

The M division doesn't make the current car, so go figure.

According to this interview with ///M boss Nitschke, we will never see a ///M version of the i8:

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1049659

[jnkirk1974]

Originally Posted by Boss330

According to this interview with ///M boss Nitschke, we will never see a ///M version of the i8:

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1049659

In my opinion, this is a good thing. I can appreciate the new technology. However, M cars should be top notch, high performance cars. The i cars just aren't there.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Considering how good the i8 performs with skinny tires, an ok suspension and not really a sport car I think many of you are underestimating what this i8s could be.
BMW is celebrating their 100th anniversary so I really expect this project to be much better than most if you think.
As time goes by and we get a real confirmation if this car is officially getting the green light with which engine and technology will tell.
I'm excited to see what they will come up with.

[Carac]

As long as they offer more than grey and brown as interior choices at launch...

[M4isKing]

Originally Posted by kevinlevrone

It was about time. They didn't spend $2 billion on R&D to not take advantage of all the new technology in more powerful configuration.

I would name it M8.

except its not made from M. was the M1? lol

[Diver]

Interesting, but why stop at 500 hp?

[TheBingoBalls]

If this does happen, it'll probably be 10 units. I just want BMW to make one just so it would quiet all the critics thinking that BMW can't make something to compete with say a R8 and other supercars.

[BMW M3 CRT]

I also have heard about an supercar based in the i8 ... instead of named i8S it could also come as i9.

But the engines are different as quoted in the article ... the I4 is surely possible, but the long I6 would never fit in the i8 platform ... the only engines that would fit are an V8 and an V6 !

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

The i brand is supposed to be about sustainability and ultra-low/zero emissions. Poor fuel consumption and 500hp doesn't sync with that goal. May I be the first to pontificate about "diluting" the i brand?

[DUI Elite]

Originally Posted by BMW M3 CRT

B]the long I6 would never fit in the i8 platform ... the only engines that would fit are an V8 and an V6 [/B]!

+1

I hope they make an M variant at some point of the i8 chassis that has the specific goal of performance.

I think a V6 / Electric hybrid configuration would be something possible for the chassis to outcompete many of the hypercard of today.

This may come off as arrogant, but 4.1 sec 0 to 60 for a projected $180,000 car is slow / unacceptable, but truthfully this is my P-Car comparison coming out of me.

[Anderw]

Cool!

[Carac]

Originally Posted by DUI Elite

This may come off as arrogant, but 4.1 sec 0 to 60 for a projected $180,000 car is slow / unacceptable, but truthfully this is my P-Car comparison coming out of me.

That's probably a pretty conservative estimate since both R/T and Motor Trend have recorded 3.8 sec sprints to 60 in the current i8.

[richb811]

Originally Posted by Boss330

According to this interview with ///M boss Nitschke, we will never see a ///M version of the i8:

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1049659

Which is why Nitschke is retiring. The guy still has years left in him and tons of vision so it might be because he is feeling internal pressure to fall in line with AMG and Audi S with their AWD lineups, which is something I don't get the impression he would respond well to. It will be interesting to see what direction ///M GmbH heads under Van Meel who was kicked to the curb by Quattro for not getting the R8 E-Tron on the road.

I think the problem with the idea of an M8 based upon the i8 platform is that the two vehicles are at odds with each other from an philosophical standpoint (Driveline, driving dynamics, ect). There was only ever one M vehicle to use an automatic transmission : The E36 M3 (SMG/DCT notwithstanding). ///M Would have to find a way to integrate a DCT transmission at the very least to even consider bringing the i8 in house for development. However, the fact that Van Meel was in charge of the R8 E-Tron might mean that could be in the pipeline... and sooner than we think.

[Manbnda]

It makes sense that BMW is considering the "electric context" to build its next super car.
I'm not an expert in super cars, but it seems to me that its obvious that brands and makers specialized in this area have pretty much reached the limits of what a pure internal combustion engine car can achieve in terms of performance (McLarens, Bugattis, Ferraris, etc) they are fighting for marginal improvements in handling and .1 seconds of performance.

BMW knows this and they want to invest in something that can actually change the game, its more profitable in the long term.
I think thats also why Porsche built the 918 Spyder which is unbelievable.

(other topic)
Personally I'm more interested in what the brand can do with the Z models.
There is a gap there, that can be covered with personal/individual cars that focus in attention to detail, sports aesthetics, small dimensions, road presence, and performance, that can be offered in different prices, from a Z1 (competing with the mazda miata in a luxury segment ) to Z6 (competing with 911 turbos) , all being two seater RWD. Would this be profitable? I don't know.