Photo: bmw
The rumor mill surrounding a possible hardcore version of the i8 to be released for BMW’s centenary is churning out bit after bit, especially after Carsten Pries’ interview at the Los Angeles Auto Show. As it turns out, we were right saying that it’s not a coincidence that the Chief Engineer that worked on Ferrari’s hybrid hypercar moved to BMW.
According to CAR magazine and their ‘insider’ information, Roberto Fedeli, the former Ferrari Chief Engineer for the last 26 years is on top of the situation and working of the rumored i8 S project. Therefore, we can rest assured that things are in the right hands.
Appointing Fedeli to this role is the best move BMW has made in the last 10 years, by far. The LaFerrari, the man’s latest creation, is a brilliant piece of engineering and that sort of expertise could definitely come in handy to bring out a car as most enthusiasts wish for.
At the moment, the project codenamed M100 is in its incipient stages but some details are easy to make out. For example, the car (no matter if it will be named i8S or anything else) will be sporting a design and body structure similar to the one of the original i8.
One thing seems to be rather certain and that is that the electric motor will have around 100 HP which is too little if you ask us. On the other hand, the ICE is still not set in stone, as the engineers are debating whether to use a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder unit.
Of course, the former would imply a smaller dry weight while the latter would be on the opposite side but the performance would be different too. Rumor has it that the 2-liter could make around 320 HP while the 3-liter close to 480 HP.
No worries though, now that Fedeli is on the case, we can rest assured that the best decision will be taken. With proper elastokinematics and wider wheels, the new supercar from BMW should be capable of going from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds or less.
Appointing Fedeli to this role is the best move BMW has made in the last 10 years, by far. The LaFerrari, the man’s latest creation, is a brilliant piece of engineering and that sort of expertise could definitely come in handy to bring out a car as most enthusiasts wish for.
At the moment, the project codenamed M100 is in its incipient stages but some details are easy to make out. For example, the car (no matter if it will be named i8S or anything else) will be sporting a design and body structure similar to the one of the original i8.
Over 500 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque
The underpinnings will be made of aluminum while the body will be mostly comprised of CFRP. Other materials could also be used, creating an even more impressive mix overall. The powertrain layout will also be identical, with an internal combustion unit powering the rear wheels and electric power for the front ones.One thing seems to be rather certain and that is that the electric motor will have around 100 HP which is too little if you ask us. On the other hand, the ICE is still not set in stone, as the engineers are debating whether to use a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder unit.
Of course, the former would imply a smaller dry weight while the latter would be on the opposite side but the performance would be different too. Rumor has it that the 2-liter could make around 320 HP while the 3-liter close to 480 HP.
No worries though, now that Fedeli is on the case, we can rest assured that the best decision will be taken. With proper elastokinematics and wider wheels, the new supercar from BMW should be capable of going from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds or less.
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