Will there be a facelift for the BMW i8 in 2017?

In mid-2014 the much-anticipated BMW i8 hit the market. This model was a real revolution, as it was the first production sports hybrid suitable for urban roads and, in addition, it arrived loaded with technology, both for the enjoyment of the driver and in the very way the model was produced.

If its high level of technology was striking, its spectacular design was even more so. With a height of just 1.29 metres, dramatic lines and vertically opening doors, the BMW i8 drew as many (or even more) glances as the latest jewels from factories such as Maranello.

Its propulsion system uses a hybrid setup made up of a 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. Combined output is 362 hp, while maximum torque reaches no less than 570 Nm.

Now, according to Autocar, BMW could be developing a facelift for the German hybrid sports car. Supposedly, the BMW i8 facelift would arrive at the end of 2017 and will increase its power by 58 hp, that is, its output will rise to 420 hp.

On the other hand, in addition to the dynamic improvement of its powertrain, greater range is expected. The German manufacturer is testing, in the BMW i8 Safety Car for the Formula E championship, a larger 10 kWh battery, while the current i8’s is 7.1 kWh. It is possible that the reworked production model will use this new version, which is still in the testing phase. Furthermore, the Safety Car we refer to also features a different chassis setup with a slightly lower ride height and greater stiffness.

Besides all of the above, and continuing with the possible novelties and improvements of the future BMW i8, the publication mentions a new induction charging system. This would mean that, to recharge the hybrid sports car’s batteries, it would not be necessary to use a cable; you would simply park it over an induction charging pad.

Finally, there is speculation about the possibility of using wheels that, instead of being made with aluminium, would simply be manufactured from carbon fibre. This would reduce their weight by 25% compared with those currently used.

Source | Autocar