Photo: bmw
We’ve had so many rumors about a possible hybrid supercar from BMW for so long that it’s getting tiring to watch them all. Some say the Germans will release such a car with the i8S moniker, others claim there isn’t such a thing and now we officially know that they are looking into it.
At this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW’s M performance division boss, Mr. Carsten Pries admitted that the company is pondering using i8 technology in an M car. However, it won’t be a more powerful i8 but rather a new M model that uses the hybrid technology. That’s just what we’ve been asking for.
“We have to let the i brand settle down first. It is still very new to the market and the customer needs to be given some time to understand its proposition. Then, maybe, we can look at doing something,” he said to Autocar.
Now that might not seem like much but you need to pay attention to the change in approaches. Not too long ago, BMW officials were quick to dismiss any sort of rumor in this regard. Now, we’re seeing them changing their responses and allowing us to hope. That’s a good thing if you ask me.
The thing is, most complaints about recent cars were focused on their weight and turbocharged engines. As we all know, the M5 and M6 were called different names (that weren’t flattering at all) due to their new 2 ton weight. Furthermore, some complained about the way the turbocharged plants worked and how the torque basically kicked it all of a sudden.
With a hybrid powertrain like the one in the i8 that last problem would definitely be solved as torque delivery would be much smoother. At the same time, using CFRP in extensive amounts would solve the other issue, bringing back that feeling we got to know in older Ms. Let’s hope it all ends up in a brand new car to be launched in 2016, for BMW’s centenary.
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