[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/an-emotional-goodbye-to-the-bmw-i8\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/an-emotional-goodbye-to-the-bmw-i8\/","headline":"An Emotional Goodbye To The BMW i8","name":"An Emotional Goodbye To The BMW i8","description":"Sadly, the much-debated supercar is being laid to rest this year. The BMW i8, a car that was hated just as much as it was loved, is being phased out of production this year. Let us reflect over the achievements and the greatness of this unique car, but also discuss exactly why some people disliked it so much. You could write a whole book on this car. Its innovations, its quirkiness, its controversy, its styling and you could even have […]","datePublished":"2020-02-07","dateModified":"2020-02-10","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/An-Emotional-Goodbye-To-The-BMW-i8-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/An-Emotional-Goodbye-To-The-BMW-i8-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/an-emotional-goodbye-to-the-bmw-i8\/","about":["BMW","Cars","HYBRID","HYBRID SUPERCAR","LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":640,"keywords":["bmw","BMW i8","BMW i8 Coupe"],"articleBody":"Sadly, the much-debated supercar is being laid to rest this year. The BMW i8, a car that was hated just as much as it was loved, is being phased out of production this year. Let us reflect over the achievements and the greatness of this unique car, but also discuss exactly why some people disliked it so much.You could write a whole book on this car. Its innovations, its quirkiness, its controversy, its styling and you could even have a whole chapter of all the awards the car won. The i8 was named Top Gear\u2019s Car of The Year in 2014, crowned UK Car of The Year in 2015, won AutoGuide’s 2015 Reader’s Choice Green Car of the Year, UK Performance Car of the Year in 2015, Engine of The Year Award in 2016, Best Hybrid Powertrain in 2019…the list goes on!It even won awards before it was released whenit took home North American Concept Vehicle of the Year in 2012 and BestProduction Preview Vehicle Award in 2013. It\u2019s fair to say the BMW i8 has been recognised in the motoring industry for its excellent hybrid powertrain, gorgeous and unique styling and for just how much of a well-rounded car it was.That being said, the i8 received its fair share of criticisms as well. Even though it looked good enough to be a supercar, with its butterfly doors, exposed carbon fibre and exaggerated styling, the performance was often described as underwhelming.Only ever available with a measly 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine, the car lacked the \u2018heart\u2019 of a \u2018real\u2019 supercar, as many would put it. The small engine was mated with electric motors and a battery and together, they produce around 357 hp or up to 369 hp in the updated models released from 2018 onwards. Still, 369 hp doesn\u2019t sound much like a figure belonging to a \u2018supercar\u2019 now, does it? To add fuel to the fire, there was the fake exhaust note, the disappointing performance and a huge price tag as the cherry on top. The i8 is easy to pick on. However, people forget one important thing about the BMW i8. It isn\u2019t a supercar! It\u2019s just an overpriced sports car! Sure, it takes 4.4 seconds (on a good day) togo from 0-62 mph in the i8 and sure, it\u2019s slower than a Civic Type R aroundNurburgring and it makes fake engine sounds but it\u2019s still an icon and there\u2019snothing you can do to change that. The i8 and the i3 are the first to arrive to the BMW \u2018i\u2019 party and have paved the way for electric technology, as well as sustainable uses of materials and of course, let\u2019s not forget about that exposed carbon! The i8 had near-perfect weight distribution, avery low centre of gravity, exceptionally snappy transmission and the best mileper gallon rating of any sports car of its kind. The i8 will be turning headsfor the rest of time and will continue to make owners look cool as they exitthe car until the Earth itself stops rotating. Sadly, we\u2019ll have to kiss the futuristic and polarising i8 goodbye as production ceases this April and if you still want to buy a new one, you\u2019ll have to place your order by the end of February.No need to be too sad though, as rumours arespreading that a successor is on its way, with BMW working hard behind thescenes on a new sports car. Whether it\u2019s electric or not is yet to bediscovered. Let\u2019s take a moment to remember one of themost interesting cars of the decade.Do you think the i8 successor can be as coolas the original? If you enjoyed this, you should read \u201cThe BMW i3 only has 2 downfalls, the rest is amazing!\u201d."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"An Emotional Goodbye To The BMW i8","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/an-emotional-goodbye-to-the-bmw-i8\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]