After BMW->ke178 announced the i8 we were kind of hoping to see an M version for it. To our disappointment, BMW officials said that such a model is "no longer part of the program." However, the German magazine Autobild claims the M version of the i8 back into focus and it reports we're still going to see it in 2016.

We're not very sure about the name, although there are two plausible possibilities: BMW M1 -- as a tribute to its first supercar -- or the more obvious M8 . Either way, Autobild claims that it will carry a twin-turbo V-8 engine that develops around 600 horsepower. This should be enough to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3 seconds and up to a top speed of 200 mph.

The same magazine reports that the model will keep i8's carbon-fiber passenger cell that will help keep its curb weight of about 1,500 kg (3,300 pounds).

We've seen this song-and-dance game before, and as the rumor gains traction, BMW will quickly shoot it down, regardless of it being true or false.

Autobild

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The production-version BMW i8 made its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show 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 with an electric motor that produces 131 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque driving 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.