[SteveH35]

I wrote a review on my site: http://www.ticktocking.com/blog//review-bmw-i8

Here's an excerpt. Hope you enjoy it. Have you guys had a similar experience?

Sports cars now are exponentially quicker than what could ever be used on the streets. While other manufacturers continue to chase magazine specs and bragging rights, BMW has completely rethought the idea of a modern sports car. It is still wickedly fast, but rather than continuing to add speed that drivers can't use, BMW sought out to optimize the entire experience. In the i8, they have combined museum worthy design with supercar performance, eco-friendly manufacturing and emissions, Gran Tourismo level comfort, and all at a price that is a fraction of its closest competitors.

[MKSixer]

Very nice review.

Your analogy between fine watches and high-performance automobiles is spot on. The driving challenge is shifting much like in modern F1 to systems management while maintaining performance. As a fellow S85 owner I fully understand your fuel consumption situation with your M5. I was in the same boat and actually funded the purchase of my 328d by cutting down the driven-mileage on the M6 by 40%.

The only point that I somewhat disagree with is the comment regarding the first decade of the 21st century. I believe that most of the advances were in the drivetrain space of vehicle engineering and the actual democratization of horsepower. In 2003 there were less than an handful of cars with 400+ HP and by the end of the decade you could go outside, throw a stick in the air, and it would bounce off the hood of 10 cars with 400+ HP before hitting the ground. I am of an age when I remember that the fastest civilian (non-exotic) car could barely beat a Golf GTI. We were truly in the winter of performance.

As you stated, we are in a brave new world with the Tesla Model S and the i8. Two exceptional cars with very different modalities of delivering eco-driven performance. Again, your point regarding BMW redefining what a performance vehicle can be in the new reality is highly accurate.

Fantastic writing.

Best Regards-mk

[MalibuBimmer]

Nice article. Maybe after you've driven it on the twisties of the Angeles National Forest we can also get a review of how it handles. Looking forward to it.

[SteveH35]

Originally Posted by MKSixer

The only point that I somewhat disagree with is the comment regarding the first decade of the 21st century. I believe that most of the advances were in the drivetrain space of vehicle engineering and the actual democratization of horsepower.

Thank you. I actually don't think we disagree here at all. The aughts were all about horsepower, but to what end? Cars got fast, yes, but for the most part they were pretty boring.

[SteveH35]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

Nice article. Maybe after you've driven it on the twisties of the Angeles National Forest we can also get a review of how it handles. Looking forward to it.

Sure I'll do an updated review after more miles

[YWGT3]

A well written and succinct review on the essence of the i8. Couldn't agree with you more on the i8's wow factor in Los Angeles. I was at the Beverly Wilshire where two Veyrons, a Maclaren 650 S, and a Ferrari 458 Italia were prominently parked within the porte-cochère between Four Seasons' two guest towers. There wasn't much activity nor fan fair surrounding them whenever I was within the vicinity during my 4 day stay. That is until an i8 showed up. Everyone, especially the children, seemed to be crawling out of the woodwork to either get a glimpse or a photo opportunity with the futuristic looking BMW.

[MalibuBimmer]

All I want to do is drive the car. I'm embarrassed at crowds and questions, except those from knowledgeable BMW aficionados. (Like the B6 owners, whose car I parked next to when I first got the i8. I was ogling their car and they mine.)

I used to be married to a public figure and public scrutiny of any kind sucks. So, to me, that's the downside of the i8. A bug, not a feature.

[YWGT3]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

All I want to do is drive the car. I'm embarrassed at crowds and questions, except those from knowledgeable BMW aficionados. (Like the B6 owners, whose car I parked next to when I first got the i8. I was ogling their car and they mine.)

I used to be married to a public figure and public scrutiny of any kind sucks. So, to me, that's the downside of the i8. A bug, not a feature.

Owning an i8 has become a two edge sword. An extremely fun car to drive but also attracts an excessive amount of attention.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by yw

Owning an i8 has become a two edge sword. An extremely fun car to drive but also attracts an excessive amount of attention.

Agreed.

I had to pick my daughter up earlier today and she asked me to park out of sight so that her friends wouldn't see her in the vehicle.

The term, 'attractive nuisance' comes to mind.

[Epirali]

Originally Posted by MKSixer

The term, 'attractive nuisance' comes to mind.

That's what my wife calls ME!

No, no, she doesn't. Well not the attractive part anyway...

[rap427]

As much as most may not always like the attention I suggest few owners would prefer a Honda Accord. The mystic of all high value sports cars is they do not get lost in the crowd.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by Epirali

That's what my wife calls ME!

No, no, she doesn't. Well not the attractive part anyway...

Trust me, I know the feeling!

[jcpca356]

Originally Posted by Epirali

That's what my wife calls ME!

No, no, she doesn't. Well not the attractive part anyway...