Polemicist

Chatting with the BMW 'I' dealer about the i8, I mused it was a bit of an oddity; if it were entirely electric, or had a very powerful petrol engine with hybrid system, it would be much more attractive to the contemporary/traditional supercar buyer than in its currently configuration with a 1500cc three-pot, which isn't very 'sexy' at all.

Apparently, a 3 litre - presumably a V6 - i8 is in the pipeline. That may make the 'new' i8 a serious competitor to the new NSX, or move the i8 further ahead of the NSX, depending upon one's perspective.

The downside with a V6 is inherent vibration - it's a shame a nice, über efficient and compact V8 isn't a contender.

Watch this space apparently.

John57

Two of their 1500cc engines would do it I guess - they are doing that in the B58 (?) for the 340i .... that's not a V but the principle I guess can be applied to all of their engines.

Polemicist

Following a bit of digging on the internet, there's a common theme from BMW that a bigger engine cannot be accommodated in the i8... or if one can, it will be a four cylinder.

The i3 Range Extender has a twin cylinder scooter-drevied engine; in the interests of maintaining coherence and consistency for the BMW 'eco' i-brand, the more powerful i8 ought to receive a tweaked version of the S 1000 RR motorcycle engine...

Nottm_S2

Two of those would make a decent v8

The i8 is a rare car but whether it's given them hybrid cred i don't know as i've no use for those type of cars

I keep looking at M3 replacements and my heart is certainly scatty but as i've no intention to commute again, or if i did would buy a suitable ahitter, i really need to rule out sensible

I like the idea of an M5 for epic power but its just M3 squared and i've never really gelled with that so....

MB

I still think the i8 is a stunning car, but it does need a V6 in it, or entirely electric.