The BMW i8 is a lot like the Mazda RX8

"carwitter" (carwitter) 05/10/2014 at 13:37 • Filed to: bmw, i8, mazda rx8

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This has been a busy week in the automotive world. Those who aren't test driving the LaFerrari or BMW i8 are paying attention to those cars now.

Before, I wasn't the biggest fan of hybrids. Early Prius's doomed the hybrid name. I have slowly turned on that opinion. The BMW i8 made that opinion completely change.

After watching a youtube video on the BMW i8 and reading multiple articles, I couldn't help but think of it's similarity to the Mazda Rx8. One may not draw that comparison right away, but both cars have alternative powertrains with a 2+2 chassis based on a sports car platform.

The Rx8, of course, was considerably more affordable upon its release, but the BMW i8 fixes it's biggest issues, torque and fuel consumption.

When the Rx8 was released, it was revolutionary. Usually, four-door sports cars are thought of as sedans with a better handling suspension.

Cars like the Nissan Maxima even had the tag 4DSC, for 4-door sports car. The Rx8 was based on a stretched MX-5 / Miata platform, but still sat four adults comfortably. More importantly, it gave steering feel to an electric system, used a central chassis stiffener along the transmission tunnel for better driving dynamics, and had a high revving rotary motor that had been tested up to 14,000 rpm, only to be detuned for daily driving purposes. It drove dynamically, like a sports car.

Ten years have passed since the Rx8's initial release, and BMW came out with their version. BMW used the i8 chassis to adapt a hybrid system, along with an all-wheel-drive format.

The package altogether weighs 3,300lbs. The electric drive provides 129 horsepower with 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The petrol engine provides 228 horsepower with 236 lb.-ft. of torque. The combined output of the system is listed at 360 horsepower with 420 lb.-ft. of torque, but it really depends on where the combined torque curve of the electric motor and petrol motor peak highest. Peak torque for electric motors begin at just under 1 rpm. The 1.5 litre turbo charged gas engine does not have peak torque that early.

Those numbers combine to provide new standards of performance figures. Not only are 0-60mph times listed at 4.4 seconds, but it can drive in all-electric mode up to 75mph within 22 miles of range. That is half of my usual drive without using a drop of gas. A 1.5 litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine can't be using much more for the way back home.

More impressively, it doesn't sound like a hybrid. There is a unique sound similar to a throaty flat-6 or even a V8. That should make the car more enjoyable for sports car enthusiasts.

The design of the i8 hasn't changed much, if at all, from the original concept. It's attractively packaged. The interior is sorted out well. It provides a torque punch that some may relate to VTec or a turbo engine. The drivetrain provides results expected of cars 10-20 years ahead of it's time.

BMW is saying you can have a quick hybrid. You can have real thrust along with great range. You can have your cake and eat it too. You can keep up with modern Porsche's and have at least 2x better fuel consumption.

Like the Tesla, it's ahead of its' time.

An interested buyer doesn't need to spend seven figures of a given currency to get a great performing hybrid car in a McLaren P1, Porsche 918, or LaFerrari.

Now, there's a better option at almost 1/10th the price in the BMW i8. One can have the car of the future, right now. I just can't wait until that future, becomes more affordable for the average car enthusiast.

That way, I can make that kind of car, part of my present.

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Original BMW i8 article taken from carwitter.com

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Lalkidu > carwitter 05/10/2014 at 14:22

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no stick, no buy.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > carwitter 05/10/2014 at 14:50

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I agree with you 100%. They really have put a lot of thought into it (as well as the i3), and it shows.

For example, with other electric (and some hybrids) there's not much in the way of a front grill, as there isn't much need for it - resulting in an ugly sort of front end. But a BMW without the classic kidney grill wouldn't be a BMW. Instead, they've kept the grill but filled it in and added some classy looking lighting. It's the best of both worlds - a BMW that still looks like a BMW without incurring unnecessary drag.

ReforMatt > carwitter 05/13/2014 at 13:23

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As the owner of an RX-8... I approve this message.

aztecred92 > carwitter 05/13/2014 at 14:04

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The Rx8 was based on a stretched MX-5 / Miata platform, but still sat four adults comfortably .

Nope.

CranialEctomy > carwitter 05/13/2014 at 14:17

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So it's a great concept, loved by enthusiasts but neglected by the general public so that the car and its technology will die off within a decade? That's a very sad thought :(

Also, the i8 would be so much cooler with suicide doors like the RX-8.

rx8r3 > ReforMatt 05/13/2014 at 15:17

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As the owner of an '11 rx8 r3, I cannot agree more;

the rx8, especially the series 2, is such a unique machine; perfectly balanced, beautiful steering, and a thrill to run to redline

I track it and can take my kids to soccer practice

I think it has inspired the FRS/BRZ as well; google Winding Road's take on the RX-8 R3 for a very nice write-up

kudos to BMW for pushing the definition of a sports car; tells me the light of BMW's spirit hasn't been completely extinguished by their current crop of cars

ReforMatt > rx8r3 05/13/2014 at 15:30

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Mine is the OG 2004 GT but fully modified suspension and wheels. car handles amazingly.

LongbowMkII > aztecred92 05/13/2014 at 17:06

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Ive rode in the back and it wasnt so bad. For around town no complaints.

gm0n3y > aztecred92 05/13/2014 at 19:16

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I was going to post the same thing. The back seats in the RX-8 are far from comfortable. If the driver is over 6 foot then they need to sit very close to the wheel or no rear passenger. From what I recall, it's less roomy than the Mustang.