Rumors have been swirling for some time that BMW may make a hotter version of their i8 futuremobile — and our highest rated car ever — to celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2016. Now, Georg Kacher at Automobile is adding even more fuel to the fire with a report on a "super i8" with more than 500 horsepower.
Automobile says that the car is likely to be called the i8S, and despite the name it will only be loosely based on the i8: it "features so many bespoke parts that it could almost be described as a new car." Kacher hears it will have the same carbon fiber/aluminum chassis, but no token rear seats, as well as stronger brakes, a reworked suspension and more aggressive looks.
Okay, I'm listening. Go on, go on!
The magazine says the i8S will retain a hybrid-electric drivetrain, only here it could have a 2.0-liter turbo four or 3.0-liter inline six instead of the current i8's three-cylinder engine. It could be heavier than the i8, but with about 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, it will also be faster.
As with any rumors, take this with a grain of salt, but I think at this point it's safe to say BMW has learned a lot from the i8 and may have something more potent in store for the world.