The first BMW project that ex-Ferrari chief engineer Roberto Fedeli will reportedly work on is a hotter version of the i8. Reportedly dubbed i8s, the model is expected to have over 500 hp. It will still be a hybrid, but possibly draw its internal combustion power from either a 2.0-liter or even a 3.0-liter turbo.
The engine’s power will be sent exclusively to the rear tires, while the front axle will be powered exclusively by electricity.
The i8s will probably gain some weight, though the extra oomph on tap will negate it – benchmark sprint times are expected to drop from the current 4.1 seconds to 3.5 seconds.
Even if it’s said to end up being heavier, the i8s will make use of more carbon fiber in key places, since BMW has already acquired valuable experience in the field, with the i3 and i8 (pictured).
As for a launch date, well, Automobile Magazine suggests it could be in 2016, when BMW celebrates its centenary; pricing-wise, it should be around 30 percent more expensive than the regular i8.
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