BMW i8 'Tiger' Prototype Resurfaces: ALPINA's Unbuilt Masterpiece
Images of a heavily modified BMW i8 have resurfaced after years of speculation, revealing a prototype that never made it to production. Known as the 'Tiger', this one-off model showcases significant changes that would have transformed the hybrid sports car.
The modified i8, developed by ALPINA, boasts a more powerful engine than its standard counterpart. It features a larger engine and transmission from the second-generation M135i, resulting in a combined output of 455 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), up from the original 357 hp and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft).
To accommodate these changes, the i8 gained at least 220 pounds (100 kilograms), necessitating crash testing to ensure safety. The prototype also sports wider hips, a large carbon-fiber rear wing, and a quad-exhaust setup. An eight-speed Aisin gearbox replaces the standard six-speed automatic.
Despite its impressive specs, the ALPINA i8 project was shelved due to the complexity and uncertainty of recalibrating the software for the bigger engine. The modified i8 was spotted at ALPINA's 60th anniversary gathering in Bavaria, serving as a reminder of what could have been.
The modified BMW i8, codenamed 'Tiger', is a testament to ALPINA's engineering prowess. Although it never entered production, it leaves enthusiasts wondering what might have been if the software recalibration hurdle could have been overcome.
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