BMW has reportedly decided to kill several projects that were started under outgoing CEO Dr. Norbert Reithofer.
According to Automobile's sources, these doomed models include the 9-Series Coupe, the Z2 Roadster, the i8S and the highly-anticipated M8 which was rumored to be a modern day successor to the iconic M1.
While the news is unfortunate, the cancellations haven't affected the i5 which is scheduled to be green-lighted in October. It will reportedly ride on the company's new rear-wheel drive platform and be about as long as the i8 but roomier than the 3-Series.
The electric verison is slated to feature two electric motors - with outputs of approximately 225 bhp and 135 bhp - while the plug-in hybrid is expected to use either a 1.5-liter three-cylinder or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as well as a 275 bhp electric motor and a 75+ kW battery. It everything pans out, the latter model will have a combined maximum output of up to 400 bhp which should be enough to allow it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds.
The i5 will reportedly be launched in 2019 and cost approximately $5,500 more than the upcoming 3-Series plug-in hybrid.
Source: Automobile
