2015 BMW i8 pictured above
We already know that BMW->ke178 has trademarked an entire range of nomenclatures for its "i->ke3915" range, but up until now, the only models that we know of that will carry the names are the i3, the i8, and the rumored i5. Now, it appears that another model will be added to the i range and according to Click past the jump to read more about the current BMW i8., and other sources. Word has it the new car is a four-door futuristic sports car that will be called the "i9."
This is interesting because it follows in BMW's plan to create an entirely new segment of vehicles that will address the company's commitment to future mobility and sustainability.->ke3234 The i3 and the i8 got the ball rolling on that end, presenting customers with two different models that share the same principles of combining BMW's renowned engineering prowess with a fresh approach towards functionality and efficiency.The rumored i5 midsized MPV is also expected to follow in that blueprint, all while bridging the gap between the i3 and the i8.
All this eventually leads us to the i9, a model that a lot of people know little about but has instantly become a hot subject just by word of its impending arrival. Given its name and BMW's standard way of badging vehicles, we can assume that the i9 is going to be slotted above the i8, if you can even imagine that given how ridiculously awesome the i8 already is.
Our best guess about the i9 is that it's going to be a more exclusive version of the i8, one that will come with a similar carbon fiber body and all of the car's latest technological features. More importantly, we see the i9 as something of an evolution of sorts from the i8, especially when it comes to improvements BMW will make on its hybrid technology->ke147 to increase performance and efficiency at the same time.
All this is, of course, is speculation on our part. What we do know is that the i9 is going to be sick, kind of the way BMW blew us away with the introduction of the i8.
Click past the jump to read more about the current BMW i8.
Why It Matters
It's another step towards BMW's plan to fill up its i-range with a whle spate of new and evolutionary models. Judging by its place atop the "numbers ladder", we're guessing that once all names have been assigned to a specific model, the i9 will be considered as the crown jewel of the range. Yes, more so than the i8, which should be a scary thought for all of BMW's rivals.
BMW i8
The production-version BMW i8 made its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235 after a series of concept cars were revealed in the previous years.
The i8 is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine that delivers 231 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels while an electric motor that produces 131 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque drives the front ones.
With a combined output of 362 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the i8 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and sprints to a top speed of 155 mph.
On the U.S. market the i8 is priced from $135,925.