GRR

Video: What happens when you put a big V8 in a BMW i8

21st August 2019
Laura Thomson

What do you get if you cross a hybrid sportscar with a V8? More specifically, what do you get when you cross a BMW i8 with a very, very loud, naturally aspirated V8?

Yes, we know it’s probably not what BMW’s engineers had in mind when they created the i8, but three guys decided to take on the challenge, and in doing so have created the ultimate track weapon. And my word does it look and sound incredible.

With a 540 horsepower BMW S65 V8 (the same V8 used in the E92 M3) and weighing just 1,100kg, the BMW i8 V8 GTR looks stealthy and goes like stink.

Raced under Hamofa Motorsport and driven by Belgians Rob, Kris and Mark Verhoeven, the blacked-out beast features a huge rear wing and other aero elements to improve performance. It’s a far cry from the original i8, but we’re certainly not complaining.

Check it out on track at Spa and Zolder in this little video compilation courtesy of Belgian-Motorsport.

  • BMW

  • i8

  • Video

  • Spa Francorchamps

  • Zolder

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