BMW i8

[mjheathcote]

I thought the sport button just affected the valves and gear ratios - what happens on yours when the stereo is off?!

Stereo on or off makes no difference, it's independent but uses the speakers. It's called active sound if you google it.
On mine, when in sport, it makes the throttle more responsive, the steering slightly heavier, more 'active sound' inside the cabin, and the exhaust valve opens more. You can fiddle with some of the setting using the iCrash!
I have the manual gearbox and passive suspension so no change.

 

[iainw]

Stereo on or off makes no difference, it's independent but uses the speakers. It's called active sound if you google it.
On mine, when in sport, it makes the throttle more responsive, the steering slightly heavier, more 'active sound' inside the cabin, and the exhaust valve opens more. You can fiddle with some of the setting using the iCrash!
I have the manual gearbox and passive suspension so no change.

Thats interesting thanks! I must need my ears syringed.... Noise is disappointing for me, but I want expecting a V8 growl.

 

[Pete-r]

I chased an i8 around Spa last year, on the straights it was steadily pulling away but 5 laps in and he was in the pits for an hour on charge...

 

[Andyk]

That's interesting Pete as I thought that the electric motor kept its charge as long as you used the petrol motor as well. Full electric is only about 49 miles mind you but why go only electric on track ?

 

[CatmanV2]

That's interesting Pete as I thought that the electric motor kept its charge as long as you used the petrol motor as well. Full electric is only about 49 miles mind you but why go only electric on track ?

But if you're going to keep the batteries fully charged then you're limited to the power output of the engine, plus whatever you claw back from regeneration.

C

 

[Andyk]

Ah right...No up an this new fangled electric stuff. Just used to opening a fuel cap, filling up and pressing the loud peddle...I also now where to put the water and the oil but that's as far as it goes...

 

[mjheathcote]

Normal road usage I believe you can select only electric, only petrol, or both.
Something like a third of the power comes from the electric motor driving the front wheels, and it can regenerate and use the petrol motor to recharge the electric.
Obviously it is not built for sustained balls out track time, and you find yourself on the petrol engine only when battery is flat, but that is not the point of them really.
They are really niche, looks fantastic, not a balls out M type of car, and not a tesla type of car either.
It is my type of car though, different.

 

[Andyk]

They are really niche, looks fantastic, not a balls out M type of car, and not a tesla type of car either.
It is my type of car though, different.

With you all the way......loved it when I drive one.