BMW Plans i8 Facelift Next Spring, Will Arrive with Upgraded Powertrain

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With the hybrid segment fast advancing and with the wind from Tesla blowing in the face, BMW carmaker have to take matter into its own hands and add some improvements to the already old-fashioned i8.

Ever since its unveiling more than three years ago, the BMW i8 has been a real benchmark in the hybrid segment, but the German carmaker felt it was high-time for some major improvements.

Even if the carmaker has not officially confirmed the arrival of a facelifted i8, according to sources close to bmwblog auto magazine, the new version is set to arrive in spring, next year, with an upgraded drivetrain and some new figures in terms of performance.

Once arriving next year, the BMW i8 facelifted is set to use the same 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol burner along with a powerful electric motor. This time, the hybrid will develop 15 horsepower more than the current model.

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h would also be improved, the same report stating around 4.2 seconds, way to impressive than the current 4.4 seconds.

Also, the hybrid`s battery pack would also be revised, allowing a 50 percent more boost in the range. And given the fact that the new i8 will also serve as a safety car in Formula E, it would come with a much larger battery, in the shape of a 10.0 kWh configuration, which would replace the present 7.1 kWh battery pack.

And since we are at it, the BMW i8 will come as well with rather the same platform modifications, just like the Formula E safety car. This implies modified upper wishbones, mounting points, as well as updated spring and dampers, or new 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 and 285/30 front and rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

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Eduard Huma

https://www.bmwcoop.com