The i8 Secret BMW Doesn't Want You To Know

"Tohru" (tohrurokuno)
10/10/2014 at 14:44 • Filed to: i8, 911, BMW, Porsche, hard-hitting journalism in Oppo

We've talked a lot about the new !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! recently, but one thing we haven't discussed is the dark, dirty secret about its rear bumper: it's a secret tribute to the Porsche 911. At least that's the speculation. You can decide based on the picture.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

The rumor — which comes from a source deep inside the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG inside my head, is that the rear bumper design is a secret tribute to the designer's favorite car, a Porsche 911. Naturally, as a product of a German competitor, he couldn't make his love known, so he hid the 911's distinctive tail in the fog lights and license mount.

It's a beautiful story, really. I just hope I don't get anyone in trouble by revealing it to the world.

Need more proof? This Photoshop should eliminate all doubts.

EDIT: It has been brought to my attention by numerous sources with nothing better to do that there was a similar observation on Jalopnik Front Page in late 2013. I did not see that article and did not know it exists. In tradition with ancient custom, I have brought shame upon my family and will cleanse it via seppuku.

DISCUSSION (100)

GhostZ > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:49

I'm getting a huge case of deja vu. Hasn't this exact article been posted already?

Tohru > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 14:52

There was a similar article about the Charger Hellcat, is that what you meant?

Alex B > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:54

This is true.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:55

This was already on the front page some time ago...

DarthToad > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:55

No, as in someone pointed this out in the comments when the renders first came out.

Vintage1982Benz > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 14:56

I recall seeing this before, as well - the i8 "swallowing" a 911 or something along those lines. Still an interesting tidbit, if true. I don't think the speculation of it being intentional was in the original post I linked below.

StevenG > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:56

I think he means:
http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-i8-ate…

KirkyV > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:57

I feel like we've been talking about how it looks like the BMW i8 ate a 911 for close to as long as we've been talking about the BMW i8.

GhostZ > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:57

http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-i8-ate…

And I distinctly remember it being a "tribute to the 911". Like, that very picture you use. It could be that I'm actually psychotic, though.

But seriously, there's not a single sentence in this article that I feel like I didn't read, exactly written as it was. Not that it was a similar article, but this EXACT one.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:57

you're about a year late

scoob > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:57

This was pointed out so long ago that it's as old as the Model T.

Vintage1982Benz > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:57

http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-i8-ate…

Tohru > StevenG
10/10/2014 at 14:58

I was not on Jalopnik or Oppo in 2013, so I didn't see that.

BJDonnellan > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 14:58

yea i remember it too, must be some of that mass illuminati deja vu i've been hearing about. Brb there is some weird clouds in the sky and a black helicopter hovering outside my window.

GhostZ > Vintage1982Benz
10/10/2014 at 14:58

But was it this EXACT article?

philaDLJ > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 14:58

Yup. Argentina lost.

GhostZ > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:59

As in, I distinctly remember the first time I read this (which felt like a few months back) thinking "No, I like the idea of it eating or shitting out a 911 rather than being a tribute" and passed on.

invadecanada > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 14:59

Here it is. http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-i8-ate…

Trapperz > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 14:59

I will never look at the i8 the same way again.

Brickman > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:00

I cannot unsee!

philaDLJ > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:00

Yeah, we got it, Trav.

http://jalopnik.com/what-is-seen-c…

http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-i8-ate…

factsonly1 > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:02

its not even close...

Tohru > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
10/10/2014 at 15:03

EDIT: It has been brought to my attention by numerous sources that there was a similar observation on Jalopnik Front Page in late 2013. I did not see that article and did not know it exists. In tradition with ancient custom, I have brought shame upon my family and will cleanse it via seppuku.

1UZ > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 15:03

Different article, same "secret bmw doesn't want us to know".

Tohru > scoob
10/10/2014 at 15:03

Staxamillion McBucksley > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 15:03

Yea, I remember seeing the Porsche photoshop picture on this same story too. It's one of those things you can never not see once you've seen it.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:04

Kinja'd!!!

And yet, nobody posted Ace Ventura in reply to you? It's like I don't even know these people.

Tohru > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 15:04

PatBateman > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:04

I still think that it's pooping out a 911.

KSEGGFTW > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:04

Doesn't matter. I personally, still find the i8 to be hideous. The design is way too busy.

Mustang 'DontHitTheCrowd' GT > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:06

There has been a similar post to this, a while back. Except that post was related to how the i8 was eating a 911. Thanks to you, we now know why. :)

n54 & s38 > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:08

Alright, where's the photoshopped grille?

kaheff (L20E) > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:08

This was the second most overused running gag after "Orlove'd" and still you made it to the front page. That's hilarious :D Congrats though.

Wes-Mantooth > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:14

Needs moar ZX2

55_mercury > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:14

I thought the big secret was going to be that its EV-range is pitifully small.

Wacko > kaheff (L20E)
10/10/2014 at 15:14

I still can't believe that he just noticed it

scoob > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:14

That's not necessary, your punishment will just be DD'ing a first-gen Prius for the rest of your life.

Tohru > kaheff (L20E)
10/10/2014 at 15:16

Finally, someone who isn't screaming "REPOST" about a joke that was a year ago. Thank you.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:16

So does that mean the designer of the i3 is secretly in love with 7th gen Accords?

Kinja'd!!!

Wolc *grammar nazis go f*** yourselves* > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:17

clickbait

kaheff (L20E) > Wacko
10/10/2014 at 15:17

This might be a huge troll by the Jalopnik team though...

kaheff (L20E) > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:20

I can see how this could happen if you are relatively new around here and don't dig too deep into posts. But if you are reading Jalopnik a lot that's just hilarious. Sorry. I didn't mean to laugh about you but about the situation.

clutchshiftington > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:20

Not a new observation, but the car definitely does lend itself to an "I8 A 911" vanity plate

b33g33 > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:21

My 5-year aspirational car *was* a 991 GT3.

After seeing an i8 the flesh, I have decided to get one over a 991 GT3.

As you guys proved, It's practically the same car from the back. Also, there is a certain perverse symmetry in parking an i8 next to the most throwback BMW of the last 20 years: the 1M.

miniman88 > scoob
10/10/2014 at 15:21

The HORRROR!!!!!!!!! Seppuku is obviously the better choice...

Tohru > n54 & s38
10/10/2014 at 15:25

this one is sloppy, I don't feel well.

Kinja'd!!!

DjM1390 > scoob
10/10/2014 at 15:26

I'd prefer seppuku

Tohru > kaheff (L20E)
10/10/2014 at 15:30

I was on a year-long hiatus starting August 2013. I'm not new, I was just gone for a year.

Tohru > Wacko
10/10/2014 at 15:30

I searched, but I didn't find it. I didn't realize the joke had been made a year ago during my hiatus.

Coty > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:31

Only recommending because of the edit.

Steve in Manhattan > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:31

Another tribute to the world's laziest design studio ...

Benny Wu > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:32

Actually, it's robo Giroro.....

Kinja'd!!!

davedave1111 > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:33

Kinja'd!!!

Nitzer Ebblestone > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:40

I love 911s; I really like the i8 and would consider buying one. Except that rear-end really puts me off. I'll wait till the next iteration.

Shaggy > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 15:40

Amazing they seem to think our memory is that short, isn't it?

ZiptieMcBumper > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:40

Kinja'd!!!

The BMW i8 won't look like this forever.

This design will pass soon.

Art > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:42

I notice this about a week ago.

Shaggy > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 15:42

Yup, we're onto straight repeating blog posts here now, evidently.

cj01 > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:43

Tribute? It looks like it ate a 911 and it's sh*tting it out. More like a gauntlet being thrown down.

Art > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:45

oh man now its worst I see nothing but a 911 in there now. Even the rear windshield ain't helping much

Curiousplay > StevenG
10/10/2014 at 15:47

That's the one.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:49

HAHAHA!! SEPPUKU!

Tohru > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
10/10/2014 at 15:55

YES

Dr. Mantis Toboggan, M.D. > ZiptieMcBumper
10/10/2014 at 15:55

I see what you did there.

Tohru > scoob
10/10/2014 at 15:55

Kinja'd!!!

Tohru > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:57

As promised, seppuku.

Kinja'd!!!

jalop1991 > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 15:58

I thought the i8 secret BMW didn't want you to know was how to open the hood.

And at $300 per for doing so, the dealers REALLY don't want you to know that.

CL > Vintage1982Benz
10/10/2014 at 15:59

Looks like it *passing* a 911...

Tohru > jalop1991
10/10/2014 at 15:59

boneheadotto > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:01

This is why they called it the "I ATE"

citizennick > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:02

don't feel bad, all these comments are re-posts from the last time this was talked about.

NC > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:03

You have ruined this car for me, now all I see is a BMW shitting out a 911

tangorum > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:04

I don't like the 911 at all... fuck me, right?

Tohru > tangorum
10/10/2014 at 16:08

How do you spell "Volkswagen Beetle" with 3 characters? 911.

Tohru > NC
10/10/2014 at 16:09

You're welcome.

tangorum > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:16

"Oh, it's nothing, I've gotten good at jogging."

Kinja'd!!!

humz > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:21

The hilarious thing is, that the article that was originally posted in regard to this, has all but ruined the back end of the i8 for me. I really like the BMW i8, don't get me wrong. I think it has been a big step forward for BMW, however, since seeing that original article, I can't unsee it! I have seen some solid black examples, where it is less glaring to me. But especially in this color combo, it literally looks like a 911 rear ended the i8, and rather than allowing the 911 to crush the wonderful detailing on the back, the BMW simply opened wide, boa constrictor style, but then just couldn't quite muster the very last bit. (I am sure there is some sort of that's why she said joke buried in there..) Anyway, the point is, that if it was on purpose, I don't know if it really makes me feel any better. And if you buy one, get it in a solid color, where that bit of the bumper isn't so noticeable. Or don't listen to me at all, and just enjoy your damn i8..

Kinja'd!!!

Tohru > Wes-Mantooth
10/10/2014 at 16:21

Kinja'd!!!

It actually fits fairly well.

Lytspeed > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:22

Yes, the article has been done, but seppuku is not necessary. This time. ;-)

marcoaml78 > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:36

You win for Clickbait title of the week!.

Neutral President > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 16:39

OMNOMNOM!

Tohru > marcoaml78
10/10/2014 at 16:47

http://theconcourse.deadspin.com/shut-up-about-…

marcoaml78 > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 17:03

Good read. I was, definitely, drawn by the title, have it be something else i wouldn't have clicked. i somehow thought the article would be related to something under the impossible to open hood that was so secret BMW would set everyone on fire should they find out.

Tohru > marcoaml78
10/10/2014 at 17:08

Torch did the same thing, saying the Charger Hellcat's hood vents look like the headlights and grille of an '03 ZX2. He is an inspiration to us all.

KalenG > GhostZ
10/10/2014 at 17:34

This. The article was done when the production i8 photos came out.

darthd > Vintage1982Benz
10/10/2014 at 18:07

more like pooping it out.

Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 19:21

Kinja'd!!!

I actually think it looks more like the rear of a Z8.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Tohru
10/10/2014 at 19:58

I think Batterytenders car in the charcoal is awesome. Just cant get over the ass.

Tohru > Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
10/10/2014 at 20:38

Ew. It's even worse than the front of a Z8.

Manuél Ferrari > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
10/10/2014 at 21:00

I had not seen this. Thanks!

Prismatist > Vintage1982Benz
10/10/2014 at 23:36

Not swallowing. Pooping.

Kanaric > KSEGGFTW
10/11/2014 at 01:01

this description fits most modern cars and it pisses me off when people claim sedate designs need to look "more aggressive" AKA what Mazda did with the Mazda 3 refresh on that hideous 2nd Mazdaspeed 3.