BMW i8 'Tiger' Prototype: Unseen Power and Style
Images have surfaced of a unique, modified BMW i8 spotted at ALPINA's 60th anniversary gathering. Codenamed 'Tiger', this one-off prototype boasts impressive power and striking aesthetics, but it never made it to production.
The modified i8, dubbed the ALPINA i8, packs a punch with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a significant upgrade from the original 1.5-liter three-cylinder. This change, along with other modifications like wider hips, a large carbon-fiber rear wing, and a quad-exhaust setup, added at least 100 kilograms (220 pounds) to the vehicle's weight.
The prototype's combined output stands at 455 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. Despite these enhancements, the project was discontinued due to extensive software recalibration requirements and uncertainties about its profitability. The developer or tuner behind the project faced technical challenges in ensuring the reliability and safety of the modified vehicle.
The ALPINA i8 prototype serves as a reminder of what could have been, showcasing BMW's potential for high-performance electric vehicles. Although it won't hit the streets, it leaves a lasting impression on enthusiasts and hints at the future of automotive innovation.
