You may be packing an upgraded engine.
These spy photos show that the BMW could be getting a stronger engine. The biggest clue that the i8 has something special inside is the new rear engine cover. It is transparent and features prominent cooling vents.
The BMW i8 prototype spotted here seems to have both additional engine cooling and enlarged AP Racing brakes. It’s easy to see that it may have more horsepower than the standard plug in hybrid.
Two possibilities exist as to what this prototype might be capable of. According to reports, 2018 BMW i8 will get a refreshed powertrain thanks to upgrades to its 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, electric motors and six-speed auto transmission. This could increase output by as much as 420 horses.
Another rumor is that BMW plans to launch a performance-focused variant, which could be called The i8S. According to the latest rumors, BMW would use either a 2.0-liter biturbo four cylinder engine with 320 horsepower or a 3.0-liter inline six with 480 horsepower to drive its front wheels. The car was due to debut in time for BMW’s centenary celebrations.
The BMW i8S will still be available for purchase, but we’ll have to wait a while to see how much performance has been added. In the next few months, you can expect to see the i8S and the new standard i8.