I have always been fascinated by cars that were left on the proverbial cutting room floor. Regardless of whether it is a design sketch that is thrown in a garbage can or a model is canceled at the last minute, I would like to learn more about it. BMWblog First wind of an i8 in Buchloe caught five years ago. Despite the follow -up reporting, the electrified sports car from BMW or Alpina was never officially unveiled.
Now, however, everything has been forgiven that images of the difficult to tackle plug-in hybrid coupé have appeared. Our colleagues at Motor1.com Germany discovered the unique BMW i8 at Alpina’s meeting for the 50th anniversary. The event took place on the Penz air base in Bavaria and brought together more than 650 cars, including a unique Mini Cooper S (R53) from Alpina. Unfortunately, this car never saw the light of the production day.
What we have reported on the Special i8 all the years is true. Alpina gave the car wider hips and a large carbon fiber rear wing. The revised diffuser houses a quad-exaust setup, while the front scanner and a more pronounced spoiler lip continue to separate them from the standard BMW version. Of course, the Signature Multi-Spoke Alpina Classic Fored wheels immediately makes it clear that this is not a regular i8.
With the code name “Tiger”, the unique coupé is not only with additional go. In contrast to the untouched engine of the minis, the BMW i8 does not even retain its original drive train. The three-cylinder 1,5-liter gas engine made space for a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, which increases the combined output to 455 hp and 700 Nm (516 LB-FT). But this was the problem: the more powerful engine required a larger charge air cooler and two additional charge air coolers in front of the front fenders to keep the oil and gear temperatures in chess.
Alpina also replaced the standard switch automatic with an eight-speed Aisin transmission from the M135i of the second generation. These changes led to others, including a new rear underdress and larger tires. When everything was said and done, the i8 had increased at least £ 220 (100 kilograms). The additional weight caused the car to undergo accident tests to comply with the regulatory standards and further increase the costs.
However, the Alpina i8 was never brought into production for another reason. The installation of a larger engine would have required extensive software new calibration and add even more complexity and costs without the project being paid out.
Ultimately, the project was set up. As a result, this unique prototype will go into history to remind you of what could have been.
You can find more photos under the following spring link.
Photos: Motor1.com Germany
