Currently reading: BMW plans hot i9 as part of 2016 centenary
More aggressive and powerful version of the i8 planned to celebrate BMW's centenary in two years time

BMW is preparing a more potent version of the i8 for its centenary celebrations in 2016, sources have revealed.

The new model, rumoured to be called i9, would use the same carbonfibre tub 
as the i8 but would get more aggressive styling, a larger engine and a more powerful electric motor.

The engine is understood to be the new modular 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit that is in development and set to appear first in the upcoming 7-series replacement.

The i9 will be the next model to join BMW’s i sub-brand. Also planned is the i5, a stretched version of the BMW i3

Currently in use in the i8 is a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in combination with an electric motor. Total power output is rated at 357bhp, alongside 420lb ft.

Expect the i9 to improve on the standard car's 0-62mph sprint time of 4.4 seconds, as well as its 155mph top speed.

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Mark Tisshaw

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Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

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Add a comment…
fadyady 28 September 2014

The super hybrid rivalry

If BMW goes ahead with their plan and stick a 3L V6 in this super hybrid, then let us all brace for a worthy competitor to the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder.
JOHN T SHEA 28 September 2014

NO V8 OR 4 DOORS?

But will a transverse six leave enough room for the rear electric motor? Maybe. At least Autocar's version of the i9 rumour is a bit more plausible than the V8 and four doors suggested elsewhere. As for 60 mph in 4 secs, the I8 already does 60 in 3.8 secs. And removing the hybrid 'bits' would leave a slower RWD car. The larger engine and mechanical 4WD needed to restore the I8's power and traction would probably add back most of the 220 kg weight of the battery and motor/generators.
voyager12 27 September 2014

Because of its benchmark significance...

You might call this the spiritual successor to the M1. Lose the hybrid stuff, slide in a V8, and suddenly it's the successor to the 850.