The BMW i8 is due for its first update, according to reports from Autocar. The new version is expected to arrive sometime in late 2017, and is said to bring with it a host of improvements, including a new hybrid powertrain.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but Autocar reports that – in addition to a facelift – the electric motor will get a 10 percent boost in power, and that the i8’s current 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine will also see an improvement. What that looks like specifically, however, remains to be seen.

The current i8’s six-speed automatic is also said to be due for an update, which would result in an even faster hybrid supercar. By no means slow, the current i8 boasts a 0-62 mph sprint speed of just 4.4 seconds.  

The addition of a new battery pack is another way BMW could seek to improve the i8. Rumor has it that the new i8 could swap out the current model’s 7.1 kWh battery for a 10 kWh version currently used in its i8 Formula E Safety Car.

Other suspected improvements range from a revised suspension to 25 percent lighter carbon fiber wheels, making the 2018 i8 an even more impressive specimen, and a testament to BMW’s hybrid capabilities.

The BMW i8 is already one of the most technologically advanced vehicles ever created, and 3Birds Template is excited to see what improvements BMW has planned.

Of course, if you simply can’t wait another year to upgrade to a new BMW model, we encourage you to contact us online or visit us at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 and browse our large selection of new and pre-owned BMW models.

Image Credit: BMW