Tuesday 22nd February 2011

i8: BMW Names Hybrid Super Coupe

Production version of Vision ED concept will launch 'i' eco sub-brand in 2013

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BMW is set to launch its 'i' eco sub-brand in 2013 - and one of the first models launched will be the i8 super-coupe, a production version of the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept from the 2009 Frankfurt show.

BMW's announcement confirms the rumours we first reported on back in summer 2010 - that the new diesel-electric hybrid coupe will be based on the dramatic 356hp Frankfurt concept.

What BMW's announcement makes no mention of are the whispers suggesting that an 'M' version of the i8 could also be on the cards - with a straight-six petrol motor and a super-capacitor to boost power. Here's hoping that one proves true as well...

The BMW i brand will be the umbrella under which the company will produce what it calls 'sustainable vehicles and mobility solutions' - essentially electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

Joining the i8 in production at BMW's Leipzig plant will be the i3, a fully electric city car.

[anonymous-user]

That is one annoyed looking car.

Edited by PSBuckshot on Monday 21st February 16:02

[Greg964]

The badge looks like V-SLOW

[kentmotorcompany]

"and a super-capacitor to boost power."


Is that an updated "flux capacitor"?

[ewenm]

kentmotorcompany said:

"and a super-capacitor to boost power."


Is that an updated "flux capacitor"?

That's why the car is limited to 87mph (just in case...).

[ZOLLAR]

Why is everything following apples "i"?, any new or cool technology gets an "i" in front of it, its slowly becoming my number 1 pet hate

[alexpa]

Will it be a prerequisite to drive this car like an like most bmw drivers?

[Mr Gear]

ZOLLAR said:

Why is everything following apples "i"?, any new or cool technology gets an "i" in front of it, its slowly becoming my number 1 pet hate

Better than an "E" for eco. Does that mean ecology or economy or is it total nonsense?

How the hell do you even pronounce it? And try googling Volvo "drive" it's such a common word relating to volvo that it breaks google. Idiots.



Erm, regarding the BMW... good on 'em! Just don't call it an i-anything please.

[kentmotorcompany]

alexpa said:

Will it be a prerequisite to drive this car like an like most bmw drivers?

Do you always laugh at your own jokes?

[Scoobyshue]

Looks like something out of TRON.

[MonteV]

Will Apple sue?

[anonymous-user]

MonteV said:

Will Apple sue?

Not unless they have the rights to the letter i
If they did things could get awkward.

[kentmotorcompany]

MonteV said:

Will Apple sue?

Don't know, but I'm sure there will be an APP for it.

[Pixel Pusher]

ZOLLAR said:

Why is everything following apples "i"?, any new or cool technology gets an "i" in front of it, its slowly becoming my number 1 pet hate

i agree

[anonymous-user]

Pixel Pusher said:

i agree

iSee what you did there.

[volvoforlife]

another 'i' brand. hope it fails and bankrupts BMW.

[ZOLLAR]

One of the "txt speak" people in my office just pointed out that "i8" is slang for I hate

[Pixel Pusher]

PSBuckshot said:

Pixel Pusher said:

i agree

iSee what you did there.

I was going to ask, "Why i", but I expect I'll just get a load of Geordies saying hello.

[Twincam16]

ZOLLAR said:

Why is everything following apples "i"?, any new or cool technology gets an "i" in front of it, its slowly becoming my number 1 pet hate

+1. It's as bad as that era roughly between 1998 and the advent of iEverything where everyone got very giddy about the internet and put 'e' in front of everything beyond mere 'email'.

[XitUp]

kentmotorcompany said:

alexpa said:

Will it be a prerequisite to drive this car like an like most bmw drivers?

Do you always laugh at your own jokes?

Someone has to.

[MarJay]

ZOLLAR said:

One of the "txt speak" people in my office just pointed out that "i8" is slang for I hate

I thought it was i h8