With the release of the BMW i8 Concept Spyder, BMW is getting closer to hints of a mid-engine, 2-seater, supercar. The stage is set IF BMW wanted to produce a M1 Supercar for the new millennial, and the chassis of the i8 Concept Spyder could be that basis. All it would need is a V8 or V10 powerplant producing around 500 horsepower and the halo Bavarian car we have been waiting for will be complete.
Sure, from the looks and the technology outlined on paper, the i8 Concept Spyder is an amazing car in its standard form, but now that BMW has this amazingly sexy carbon fiber based chassis, why not take it a step further and let the folks at BMW M have their way with it. I’m sure the F10 M5’s mighty S63tu powerplant could be further enhanced and modified to nestle nicely under the rear glass engine cover of the i8 Concept Spyder. Now combine the power of that engine to a 3,000 lbs chassis and the M1 revival could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in supercar territory. And since we already know the M5 is slated for the US with a 6-speed manual gearbox as well as the mind boggling fast shifting M-DCT, the two transmission options would satisfy both sides of the performance crowd.
Low, wide, lightweight, are all adjectives used to describe today’s supercars. After having seen the i8 in a private preview event back in October in a swanky NYC Soho art gallery, my mind couldn’t help think: What if BMW M had their way with this car? They would build what could be the hottest most desirable BMW in decades. Whether BMW AG lets the M Division claim it for themselves or BMW i flies it under their flag is inconsequential to me, but I’m hoping to see it built with all the M treatment it would deserve: low slung front bumper with gobs of air inlets, a purposeful rear wing that could be part of an “Active Aero” package, and arches wide enough to accommodate the necessary rubber to provide pro go kart lateral acceleration.
Brakes could be sourced from the newly released M6 and the carbon ceramic anchors would be able to provide endless, fadeless stopping power while on the track chasing down those pesky Carrera GT3s.
Never has BMW been so close to the perfect chassis as it is now that the i8 Concept Spyder has been revealed. BMW, can we have an M1 revival? I promise I’ll be a good boy from now on, or at least when I’m not on track in my M1.