According to bmwblog.com, the i8, which debuted with a number of changes, including the soft-top Roadster, in Los Angeles last year and made its local unveiling in June this year, will keep its hybrid layout for the next generation model as opposed to being fully electric, but with an extra cylinder and 500cc more for a 2.0-litre four-cylinder setup.

Whereas the current 1.5-litre, three-cylinder configuration produces a combined system output of 275kW, the fitment of the bigger mill could result in the i8 producing in the region of 331kW, which would result in a significant improvement over the present model’s 4.4 second 0-100km/h sprint time.

BMW has however remained mum on the claims following a report by Autocar back in January that the i8 could very well be discontinued after just one generation. Reportedly, BMW has opted to axe the smaller i3, meaning that it won’t be replaced once the current model reaches the end of its lifecycle.