Although it never saw the light, it did happen.
Alpina is a tuner and maker of high-performance BMWs. They have over 40 years of experience working with the German manufacturer. Their close integration with BMW processes has allowed them to offer tuning parts for all models of the BMW range. Alpina had an idea for a secret project: a BMW I8 which met the tuning company’s standards.
The CEO of Alpina, Andreas Bovensiepen shared interesting details about their plans for the BMW i8 in a blog post. The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe is equipped with a 11.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, two electric motors and a 1.5-liter turbocharged, 360-hp engine. Modifying key components of the BMW 808 platform was intended to improve handling and engine output. To increase horsepower, aerodynamic modifications were made. The only engine that could fit into the frame was a four-cylinder, which gave the engine at least 100 horsepower more, bringing the total to around 460 HP.
Bovensiepen mentioned that the test mules were driven on public roads but that they lacked indicators that would indicate that it was an Alpina unit. This meant that spy photographers could not see the vehicle. Although no photos were ever released of the Alpina i8, the blog post states that Bovensiepen took photos from his phone and they showed that the unit was black and had Alpina wheels. It also had a racing wing at its rear and a slightly wider stance. Although we won’t be able to see the actual creations of the Alpina guys for the BMW i8, it is certain that Alpina will have plenty of BMW concept cars to work with in future.