BMW designed a radical mid-engined hybrid supercar to succeed the i8, but never put it into production. Kept secret for four years and revealed only now by BMW head designer Domagoj Dukec on social media, the striking i16 could have been the M performance division's second bespoke model after the 1978 M1 supercar. However, after a successful run, BMW announced the discontinuation of the i8 in 2020, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its successor. It's a faithful evolution of the Vision M Next concept that BMW revealed in 2019, albeit with some subtle revisions aimed at making it road-legal. Dukec described the i16 as having "all the style of a future classic" and noted the influence of the Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed M1 in its angular, cab-forward silhouette, vented rear arches and louvred engine lid. The i16 was conceived to use the i8's composite structure in a bid to cut development costs and thus bolster its viability as a production car, but it isn't clear whether it would have used the same plug-in hybrid powertrain. The i8 was BMW's first PHEV, pairing a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor on the front axle for a total output of 374hp and a 0-100kph time of 4.3sec, making it a natural Porsche 911 rival. A battery in the transmission tunnel gave an electric-only range of more than 48km.
Legacy of the BMW i8
Before delving into the speculative realm of the i16, it's essential to understand the legacy left behind by its predecessor, the BMW i8. Launched as part of the BMW's "Project i" initiative, and the i8 was envisioned as a groundbreaking sports car that can be combined futuristic design,and the cutting-edge technology, and for the eco-friendly performance. The i8 featured a unique powertrain configuration, and also consisting of the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor,and also delivering to be combined the output of around 357 horsepower. Despite its accolades and acclaim, the BMW i8 faced criticism for its limited electric-only range, cramped rear seats, and high price tag.
Rumors of the BMW i16
Following the discontinuation of the BMW i8, rumors began circulating within the automotive industry about a potential successor, tentatively dubbed the BMW i16. While BMW has remained tight-lipped about its future electrified sports car plans, several speculative reports and concept renderings have fueled anticipation for the i16 among enthusiasts.
Key Features and Design Cues
While concrete details about the BMW i16 remain scarce, several key features and design cues have been speculated based on industry trends and BMW's electrification strategy:
- Enhanced Electric Range: One of the criticisms of the i8 was its limited electric-only range. It's speculated that the i16 would feature which can be improved battery pack and the electric drivetrain, and also offering a more substantial electric range for emissions-free driving.
- Advanced Performance: As with its predecessor, the BMW i16 is expected to deliver exhilarating performance, combining electric propulsion with potent internal combustion power. Rumors suggest that BMW may adopt a more powerful hybrid powertrain configuration, delivering even greater horsepower and torque figures than the i8.
- Futuristic Design: The BMW i16 is expected to embody BMW's vision of future mobility, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design characterized by sharp lines, sculpted surfaces, and innovative lighting elements. The interior is likely to showcase BMW's latest technology and connectivity features, creating a futuristic and driver-focused cabin environment.
- Lightweight Construction: To optimize performance and efficiency, the BMW i16 may utilize advanced lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and high-strength steel in its construction. This would help offset the weight of the hybrid powertrain and battery pack, enhancing agility and handling dynamics.
Reasons for Non-Production Status
Despite the excitement surrounding the BMW i16, the decision not to proceed with its production may be attributed to several factors:
- Market Trends: The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles. BMW may be reassessing its product portfolio and focusing resources on developing electric vehicles with broader market appeal, such as the BMW iX and i4.
- Economic Considerations: Developing a new sports car from the ground up requires substantial investment in research, development, and production. BMW may have determined that the potential sales volume and profitability of the i16 did not justify the investment, especially given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty.
- Regulatory Pressures: Stringent emission regulations and evolving government policies regarding electrification and emissions targets may have influenced BMW's decision-making process. The company may be prioritizing compliance with regulatory requirements and focusing on electrification strategies that align with future emission standards.
- Competitive Landscape: The automotive market is fiercely competitive, with established players and new entrants vying for market share in the electric vehicle segment. BMW may be evaluating the competitive landscape and positioning its electrification efforts strategically to differentiate itself and capture market demand effectively.
Future Prospects and Possibilities
While the BMW i16 may remain a tantalizing concept for enthusiasts, its non-production status does not necessarily mark the end of BMW's electrified sports car ambitions. The rapid pace of technological innovation, coupled with shifting consumer preferences and regulatory pressures, could pave the way for new electrified sports car offerings from BMW in the future.
The Vision M Next hinted at what an i8 successor could look like, but plans to produce it were shelved over concerns about high R&D costs and low sales potential. However, M boss Frank van Meel hinted to our sister publication Autocar UK in 2022 that the door wasn't totally shut to the prospect of a new hybrid supercar, saying: "It’s always something we can look at. As car guys, we're always dreaming of making such cars. It doesn’t mean we will make them, but we keep exploring those ideas.”Whether the BMW i16 eventually materializes as a production model or remains a tantalizing concept, its legacy as a symbol of BMW's commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability will endure. As BMW continues to push the boundaries of automotive design and engineering, enthusiasts can expect future electrified sports cars to embody the spirit of the i8 and pave the way for a new era of electrified driving experiences.