It appears the idea of BMW->ke178 building a drop-top version of its popular i8->ke4622 has been completely nixed. The word comes straight from a BMW representative when questioned by the Europe-based website, InAutoNews.

“There are no plans to produce the BMW i8 Spyder,” says the BMW rep.

Such a definitive and short answer is hard to question, but we still do. Perhaps BMW is saving a spyder version for the rumored i9, the hyped-up version of the i8 rumored to have a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter I-6 pulled from the M4->ke4183. With such a potent gasoline powerplant combined with the electric motors from the i8, the i9 could potentially be BMW’s hottest performer.

Still, if BMW does launch the i9, we can expect it to arrive in coupe->ke141 form first and then followed by a spyder version later. In short, don’t hold your breath.

The BMW representative then spoke on possible iterations of the BMW 7 Series->ke323, after future prodding from InAutoNews. Rumors suggest BMW would follow Mercedes’ lead in offering multiple versions of its luxurious 7 Series. The BMW rep again answered, “…there are no plans to produce any derivatives of the 7 Series outside of standard and long-wheelbase.” Kiss a 7 Series coupe and convertible goodbye.

While reports confirm BMW is building a larger flagship SUV slotted above the X5->ke326, dubbed the X7, rumors had suggested the 7 Series would be the base for the X7. Again the BMW rep shot the theory to the ground. “The BMW X7->ke3218 will be produced in the future, but that is a different proposition and is not based on the 7 Series.” Well then.

Regardless of its platform, the X7 will be a direct competitor to the Mercedes GL-Class->ke402 and the new Range Rover->ke469. Expect the X7 to hit European showrooms by 2017 or 2018.

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW i8.

Why It Matters

Spyder, or convertible versions of sports cars, tend to sell very well. This fact is especially true to supercars like Ferrari and Lamborghini. With BMW not offering a drop-top version, it seems the German automaker could be losing out on some serious sales. Then again, the theory about the spyder version of the higher-performing i9 solves the conundrum.

As far as the 7 Series, BMW has generally left its high-end coupe and convertible cars in the hands of the 6 Series. It’s hard to imagine why BMW would double up on building slightly different version of cars it already builds. Then again, BMW’s recent track record might suggest otherwise.

BMW i8

The BMW i8 is a rather special car. It combines all the fun of a high-end supercar with the fuel-sipping properties of a Toyota Prius. The result is a two-door coupe that rockets to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

The i8 uses a turbocharged, 1.5-liter, inline three-cylinder, gasoline engine that is supplemented by batteries and electric motors. Altogether, the system produces 362 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing for the BMW i8 starts at $135,925.