Comparing BMW’s Flagship Hybrid Performance i8 to American Muscle (Quarter Mile)

These days, the automotive landscape is shifting rather quickly. One day, we’re looking at hybrids, the next, fully electric cars are coming into the picture. Somewhere in the mix, combustion is still competing. It doesn’t really seem like we can get a grasp on which way everything is heading.

For now, we, as automotive enthusiasts, really have an interesting battle unfolding in front of our eyes. It’s neat to sit back and watch as different ideas come to life in front of us. The variety certainly gives us a lot to choose from. It also gives us the opportunity to watch how different platforms go head to head with one another. Even for those who aren’t the biggest fan of one platform, they get to see how it compares to another.

This time, we’re following along with the BMW i8. While the car isn’t one of the most widespread by far, the hybrid is one of BMW’s crown jewels. Anyone looking to get their hands on one can expect to spend well over $100,000. In order to get into a new one, it’ll be about $150k to start.

So, what is the new owner of such a car getting when they hop behind the wheel? Well, essentially, the machine is a hybrid. In the front, where a hood would traditionally house a combustion engine, we find an electric motor. In the rear, a different take on combustion resides as a three-cylinder engine comes to life.

The engineers at BMW concocted a way for both of these engines to work together in unison. Their coexistence will change based on the situation. Depending on driving style and different modes, varying amounts of electricity and gasoline will be fused together as one.

By following along with the video below, we get to see the i8 in action. TalonTsi97 is behind the camera as the hybrid takes on some of the best that America has to offer. The comparison is quite interesting as a Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Charger both step to the plate to see what they have for the German offering.