Building a BMW i8 with a Twin-turbo S63 V8

Gabura Racing Technologies in Munich, Germany is fulfilling many BMW fan’s dreams by building a supercar out of a BMW i8. The supercar is being called the GRT V8i and will feature a twin-turbo V8 from a BMW M5/M6. Contrary to what other articles have reported, the engine will not be sourced from Alpina. This was confused with another project they are currently building.

The i8 comes from the factory with a 1.5 L B38A15T0 turbocharged three-cylinder in the back and an electric motor in the front. This gives the car it’s hybrid virtual 4WD system. GRT had no use for either of these systems since this car was going to be pure race inspired and going fuel and RWD only.

GRT will be using a 4.4 L S63B44T0 V8 which is BMW’s Motorsports version of the N63. The S63 from the factory uses two twin-scroll turbochargers with a pulse tuned cross-engine exhaust manifold. GRT hasn’t said exactly what they will be modifying on the engine except the engine will be upgraded with a dry sump lubrication system which will help lower the engine. The engine had to be installed in the front of the car since there wasn’t enough room in the back. The car will be running a six-speed sequential racing transaxle.

Source: Gabura Racing Technologies via Jalopnik