Discerning observers noticed a BMW i8 that was a little different cruising the streets of Munich, so naturally they took some pictures. What got their attention, other than the fact that it was an i8 in the first place, were the subtle differences from the basic version that was launched two years ago.
For example, the straight-spoked wheels were neither of the two styles from which new i8 owners usually get to choose. Then there were the front and rear AP Racing brake calipers that were definitely not stock BMW or even the BMW i Blue painted Pure Impulse calipers. The tires appeared to be significantly wider that what we are used to seeing on an i8.
The huge air intake in the hood was also a bit odd, in that it sported an aerodynamic front lip. Probably the most obvious difference was the rear hatch, which was perforated with eight slots presumably located for maximum cooling or ventilation of the engine compartment.
Despite the variations from the original i8 and the Internet speculation that this was possibly a test version of a new, more powerful, higher-performance i8, this was not an unfamiliar car to us; we had seen it before, or at least we had seen an i8 that had all these features.
This had all the exterior characteristics of the second-generation BMW i8 Qualcomm Formula E Safety Car, minus the roof light bar, roll cage, and all the stickers.
We had heard rumors that BMW was considering a production version of the Formula E safety car. The safety car for the current FIA Formula E series is lighter than a normal i8, with more carbon fiber components inside, a more powerful electric motor, and changes in the aerodynamics, especially underneath. The Gen 2 safety car also has a more powerful high-voltage battery that can be charged wirelessly in about an hour.
So, is the mystery i8 spied on the streets of Munich a prototype for an improved production version of the i8, or is it a Qualcomm Formula E safety car cleverly disguised as a normal street car? If we had to guess, we’d go with a higher-performance production test car. There was no roll cage visible, the seats were not carbon-fiber racing seats, and we could make out a back seat, which the safety car does not have.
Throughout automobile history, advances developed for the track often have made their way to the street. That may be the case here, but absent confirmation from BMW, that’s only a guess.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of Bimmerpost.]
