• BMW's on again off again "M8" supercar based on the i8 on the table again? 600 horsepower and very low curb weight

                    
      		   
      Published on 02-06-2013 04:51 AM
      1 Comment Comments
      Well it seems this week BMW believes making an M version of the i8 hybrid is a good idea. What's amusing about this? Well, it's being reported by CAR Magazine. Why is that funny? Because CAR Magazine is the same magazine that said no M version of the i8 was coming. It's to the point that nobody really knows what the hell is going on but this is fun to report because it drums up interest and for CAR, most importantly to them, magazine sales.


      Just a few months ago Automobile Mag was saying the M8 was back on the table as well and now suddenly CAR jumps in like it is a game of musical chairs and breaking news. Fact is there is no official word and right now all we have is wishful thinking.

      So let's say BMW changed its mind and an M version of the i8 is coming. Well, calling it the M8 makes a lot of sense due to the M1 nomenclature controversy. So, M8 avoids stirring up any drama with M purists and the classic M1 supercar that was the first true M car.

      With the batteries and electric motors out of the way, this car would actually be a lightweight. The i8 is currently targeting a 3300 pound range curb weight so without the hybrid drivetrain perhaps 150 or even 200 pounds could be shaved off despite the larger and heavier gasoline motor that would be used instead. 3150 pounds and 600 horses from a twin turbo M V8? Where do I sign?

      This all sounds almost too good to be true. An M version of the i8 makes all the sense in the world though when so much time and money has been invested in the i8. All it would take is new chassis tuning (hmmm, wonder if this guy could do it?), a higher output S63TU from the M5/M6, and the green light from the BMW board.

      Do it BMW, just do it already. Show the world you still have some backbone and can still build the Ultimate Driving Machine.
      This article was originally published in forum thread: BMW's on again off again "M8" supercar based on the i8 on the table again? 600 horsepower and very low curb weight started by Sticky View original post
      Comments 10 Comments
      1. mkodama's Avatar
        mkodama - 02-06-2013, 01:54 PM
        I doubt BMW would do an M8 any time soon. BMW is so far removed from making anything light and sporty enough to compete with the would be competition, and I doubt the i8 chassis could even be used for a gas engine powerplant.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 02-06-2013, 02:01 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by mkodama Click here to enlarge
        I doubt BMW would do an M8 any time soon. BMW is so far removed from making anything light and sporty enough to compete with the would be competition, and I doubt the i8 chassis could even be used for a gas engine powerplant.
        The i8 is coming it seems almost natural... and it already has a gas engine.
      1. mkodama's Avatar
        mkodama - 02-06-2013, 02:24 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        The i8 is coming it seems almost natural... and it already has a gas engine.
        I should have said a more conventional gas engine layout.

        The i8 looks like the tiny little backup motor installed in the trunk is the biggest engine it can really fit from the pictures I've seen. Taking out the electric drive components would leave something with the weight balance as screwy as a Carrera.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 02-06-2013, 02:26 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by mkodama Click here to enlarge
        The i8 looks like the tiny little backup motor installed in the trunk is the biggest engine it can really fit from the pictures I've seen.
        The rear hatch area is actually pretty big. Plus, it can restructured into a 2 seater over 4 seater if necessary I would think. Or even 2+2.

        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by mkodama Click here to enlarge
        Taking out the electric drive components would leave something with the weight balance as screwy as a Carrera.
        Nah, I doubt that. The battery is located centrally as of right now for weight balance I would think. And losing all that weight is more important than some less weight over the front. And if it's a huge deal, AWD is the solution.
      1. mkodama's Avatar
        mkodama - 02-06-2013, 02:39 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        Nah, I doubt that. The battery is located centrally as of right now for weight balance I would think. And losing all that weight is more important than some less weight over the front. And if it's a huge deal, AWD is the solution.
        There would be like nothing on the front wheels without the electric motors and batteries! AWD would be fun, but would probably hurt the weight a bit.

        Attachment 25314
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 02-06-2013, 07:17 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by mkodama Click here to enlarge
        There would be like nothing on the front wheels without the electric motors and batteries! AWD would be fun, but would probably hurt the weight a bit.

        Attachment 25314
        There no battery in the floorboard area like the i3? The blue thing is a transmission?
      1. mkodama's Avatar
        mkodama - 02-06-2013, 07:56 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        There no battery in the floorboard area like the i3? The blue thing is a transmission?
        Yeah, I was a bit surprised at that as well. I thought it was a floorboard design as well until I found that picture.

        Light blue looks like batteries. Speed controller, motors, and cooling system all up in the front. Small turbo engine and attached transaxle in the rear. It also looks like there is another motor or generator in the rear as well. I'm not quite sure what the grey box just ahead of the rear axle is though; possibly fuel tank.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 02-06-2013, 08:06 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by mkodama Click here to enlarge
        Yeah, I was a bit surprised at that as well. I thought it was a floorboard design as well until I found that picture.

        Light blue looks like batteries. Speed controller, motors, and cooling system all up in the front. Small turbo engine and attached transaxle in the rear. It also looks like there is another motor or generator in the rear as well. I'm not quite sure what the grey box just ahead of the rear axle is though; possibly fuel tank.
        If light blue is the battery I think this can be done. The weight distribution won't be like a Carrera. It won't be like a 458 Italia but it won't be like a Carrera.
      1. deemo319's Avatar
        deemo319 - 02-18-2013, 11:29 PM
        This is not an on-again, off-again project. BMW does not work like that.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 02-18-2013, 11:37 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by deemo319 Click here to enlarge
        This is not an on-again, off-again project. BMW does not work like that.
        Then I'm not sure how you explain all the conflicting reports.