More Powerful BMW i8 in the Works

It appears that BMW is already preparing to build off its i8 plug-in hybrid.

According to a recent report, the German automaker is planning to launch a new supercar that will likely be badged the i8S. Building on the development of the i8, the new model will become the flagship coupe for the i sub-brand and will have so many bespoke parts that some would even describe it as an entirely new car. Automobile reports that the new model will retain the i8’s carbon fiber upper and aluminum-intensive chassis, “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.”

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Other improvements include more torsional and bending rigidity, better crash performance and durability along with reworked suspension and larger brakes with wider tires. Visually, the new supercar will closely resemble the i8 in terms of styling, but expect more aggressive aerodynamics for a more dynamic appearance.

Power output from the plug-in hybrid setup is expected to be in the neighborhood of 500 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque though BMW is still exploring powertrain options. Under consideration is either a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine with around 320 hp mated to an electric motor or a 3.0-liter straight-six with around 480 hp.

If these rumors are to be true, expect the BMW i8S to arrive sometime in 2017.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW i8

[Source: Automobile]

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