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Xcar checks if BMW's i8 offers moves as electrifying as its looks

If you were to plot the general opinion about hybrids since their introduction among auto enthusiasts, the resulting graph would likely be shaped somewhat like a "V." In the beginning interest was high, simply due the novelty of these new powertrains, then the line would gradually fall as the models got the stereotype of being boring commuters. Today, though, things might be back on the upswing. Vehicles like the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 and BMW i8 are showing that a hybrid doesn't have to be synonymous for dull. In its latest video, Xcar Films aims to find out if BMW's electrified sports coupe actually earns the brand's old moniker as the ultimate driving machine.
While the focus here is on what the i8 is like behind the wheel, one of the main highlights for the viewer is the interesting ways that Xcar shoots the BMW. It's not necessarily a beautiful vehicle, but seeing it in motion reveals all sorts of little intricacies that still photos don't pick up. For example, our eye catches the flying buttresses and little crevices scooped out of the corners when we get a look at the rear. It's just a fun car to look at.
With its 1.5-liter, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine and electric motor, the i8 positions itself as the future of automotive performance. But its intriguing looks and cutting-edge use of carbon fiber would be wasted if the coupe didn't drive well. We won't spoil the final verdict, though, you'll have to watch the video above.

BMW 8 Series coming in 2020

As good as the BMW 7 Series may be – and trust us when we say it is very good indeed – it just can't compete with the marketplace juggernaut that is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, at least not where global sales are concerned. And with sales come profits, especially at the six-digit price point many of these high-end luxury cars sell for. Put simply, Mercedes is cashing in on the S-Class, and BMW wants a bigger piece of that pie. It comes as little surprise, then, that Autocar reports BMW is currently considering two proposals for a new 8 Series that would slot just above its current 7 Series. One option is the currently-en-vogue four-door coupe. The other option is a more traditional two-door coupe, likely with a cabriolet option. The last time we heard such rumors, BMW was dismissing them back in 2013. Whichever way BMW decides to take its 8 Series plans, Autocar suggests that a concept vehicle ought to hit the show circuit in sometime in 2018, with a production model following in 2020. The car would be based on the underpinnings of the latest 7 Series, with a price considerably less than the Rolls-Royce Ghost (which also falls under the BMW umbrella). Considering BMW's penchant for multiple model variants, we won't be surprised if all three options get the green light, with a Gran Coupe version standing as the flagship. With the 6 Series Gran Coupe currently priced just below the 7 Series (and at a hefty premium to a comparable 5 Series four-door), an 8 Series would likely brush up against $100,000 for a base price. That might not take much out of S-Class sales, but it would make some tidy profits for BMW. Related Video:

BMW Motorad reveals Concept Stunt G 310 in Brazil

BMW has been on a bit of a concept motorcycle bent lately, and each has taken a decidedly different approach from one another. The Motorad division did the Path 22 scrambler concept in June, the Concept 101 custom bagger in May, the Concept Roadster last year, and the Concept 90 retro racer the year before. Now it's at it again with the Concept Stunt G 310. As you might have guessed, the G 310 is a stunt bike. Its compact form is built around a single-cylinder engine canted rearwards with a rotated cylinder head to help optimize the weight balance. The intake was moved forward and the exhaust towards the rear, mounted under the seat, to enable the rider's freedom of movement. It has long travel in the suspension, but still rides on a short wheelbase – perfect for impressing the crowds. To that end, it was designed with collaboration from four-time stunt riding champion Chris Pfeiffer. It's also got a lockable throttle so the rider can take his hands off the controls (not advisable for the rest of us). The beefed-up secondary rear brake can be actuated by a squeeze of the finger. Axle pegs allow for additional foot-placement options, red crash bars protect the mechanical elements, and a specially designed "stunt tail" is milled from solid aluminum and provides an additional foot-hold. The shape is adorned with an eye-catching neon livery designed to give the impression of movement, even when it's sitting still. The bike will be unveiled in Sao Paulo, Brazil, at South America's preeminent motorcycle show. BMW Concept Stunt G 310 – Street. Style. Stunt. 06.10.2015 Munich/Sao Paulo. With the world premiere of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 at South America's largest motorcycle show, BMW Motorrad is presenting a completely new side: the uncompromising interpretation of an aggressive and agile stunt bike based on a single cylinder study. Thanks to his experience as a four-times World and European stunt riding champion, Chris Pfeiffer, contributed to the realisation of the BMW Concept Stunt 310. "Stunt riding is a demanding and multi-faceted sport. Ideally you need a compact, agile bike which is also stable and robust at the same time. You have to achieve the ideal balance between aggressiveness and control", explains Chris Pfeiffer. Compact proportions, highest-level agility.