No M version of the BMW i8 - Getting horsepower boost instead and expected to cost over $130k

Published on 03-25-2012 02:31 AM

22 Comments

No M version of the BMW i8 is coming. Kind of disappointing as it would be nice to finally have a halo M car or BMW supercar so to speak. The 1.5 liter turbo 3 cylinder has been upped to 223 horsepower and 295 pound-feet or torque. The total horsepower rating is now 393 horses and 406 lb-ft of torque. That is more like it! The car will also be switchable from front, to rear, to all wheel drive at the drivers discretion. Imagine using all wheel drive only from a stop for example.

Tuning the turbo powerplant should prove to be fun and this car with its proposed 3,125 pound curb weight may prove to be a lot of fun to drive.

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No M version of the BMW i8 - Getting horsepower boost instead and expected to cost over $130k
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22 Comments

M3_WC - 03-25-2012, 03:33 AM
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So that is 393hp for only 20 minutes, as that is the estimated battery life. Then you will be on 1.5-liter power only. That will be one slow $130k car.

Sticky - 03-25-2012, 03:36 AM
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Originally Posted by M3_WC

So that is 393hp for only 20 minutes, as that is the estimated battery life. Then you will be on 1.5-liter power only. That will be one slow $130k car.

Are you sure that isn't for electronic only mode?

fastgti69 - 03-25-2012, 03:57 AM
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Cool but weird, would like more info and specs on the car though once prototyped etc..

M3_WC - 03-25-2012, 04:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Sticky

Are you sure that isn't for electronic only mode?

Not sure if running both systems saves on electric. I figure to get full 393hp in awd mode, the electric motor will be working full time to drive front wheels.

Sticky - 03-25-2012, 04:32 AM
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Originally Posted by fastgti69

Cool but weird, would like more info and specs on the car though once prototyped etc..

We have a good amount of the specs already.

Just sucks it doesn't have a bigger gasoline motor. 1.5 liter turbo three cylinder is going to be hard to make strong.

stormtrooper335 - 03-25-2012, 05:18 AM
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i'm going to the ny auto show i will get some pics of it

M3_WC - 03-25-2012, 05:29 AM
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Battery technology needs to advance a lot more to make these cars more enticing. A 20 mile battery range isn't good. The problem BMW has is weight(they clearly want a lightweight car), they can't just stuff in more batteries like the Fisker Karma. The Karma weighs 5,300 lbs. The problem still remains after 20 miles, you are driving a $130,000 223hp 1.5L car. Cool car, give BMW props. It will be a good car for those hollywood elite tree huggers to show up to red carpet events. Can't wait to see the markup dealers put on these cars.

fastgti69 - 03-25-2012, 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Sticky

We have a good amount of the specs already.

Just sucks it doesn't have a bigger gasoline motor. 1.5 liter turbo three cylinder is going to be hard to make strong.

I mean like, 0-60 1/4 mle etc.. specs lol. Wish it was only gasoline $#@! that electric BS

Sticky - 03-25-2012, 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by fastgti69

I mean like, 0-60 1/4 mle etc.. specs lol. Wish it was only gasoline $#@! that electric BS

0-60 estimated in 4.9. I expect to see numbers in the low 4's. 1/4 mile should be a high 12. Performance close to the E92 M3.

654 - 03-25-2012, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by M3_WC

Battery technology needs to advance a lot more to make these cars more enticing. A 20 mile battery range isn't good. The problem BMW has is weight(they clearly want a lightweight car), they can't just stuff in more batteries like the Fisker Karma. The Karma weighs 5,300 lbs. The problem still remains after 20 miles, you are driving a $130,000 223hp 1.5L car. Cool car, give BMW props. It will be a good car for those hollywood elite tree huggers to show up to red carpet events. Can't wait to see the markup dealers put on these cars.

Power segment would cruise around on gasoline and take the full power in use when needed. Should be able to leave the competition behind in less than a mile so 20 miles full power reserve could be enough.

G0TB00ST? - 03-25-2012, 08:57 PM
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I do not see how there is more of a demand for this than a real super car. I personally could not justify paying that much for a car like this imho

Sticky - 03-25-2012, 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by G0TB00ST?

I do not see how there is more of a demand for this than a real super car. I personally could not justify paying that much for a car like this imho

Being green is cool or something now.

G0TB00ST? - 03-26-2012, 04:14 PM
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yeah i guess your right sticky, but a green super car seems like an oxymoron.

Sticky - 03-26-2012, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by G0TB00ST?

yeah i guess your right sticky, but a green super car seems like an oxymoron.

It does but Porsche is making it work.

I would prefer a 5.8 liter S85 and essentially BMW's Carrera GT.

At least this is finally something higher end from BMW even if it isn't going to be a performance champion. I am kind of looking forward to it as perhaps those electric motors can be modded and that turbo motor can definitely get some more boost. May become fast... and exclusive.

1cleanAMG - 03-26-2012, 05:55 PM
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I would never buy this car over an R8 or 911.

M3_WC - 03-26-2012, 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Sticky

It does but Porsche is making it work.

But Porsche is doing it right. A 500hp 3.5L V8 plus three electric motors with addtional 218hp.

The BMW is a semi-supercar for 20miles basically. The drivetrain tech in the i8 is better suited in the smaller i3(a true fuel mileage car).

Sticky - 03-26-2012, 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by M3_WC

The BMW is a semi-supercar for 20miles basically.

20 miles is just the all electric mode so that isn't accurate.