The BMW i8 is a marvel of automotive engineering—a hybrid sports car that oozes style, efficiency, and innovation. But what happens when a company like Gabura Racing Technologies gets its hands on one? They turn an already groundbreaking vehicle into an absolute beast on the road. You’ve probably wondered, what did Gabura Racing Technologies modify in their BMW i8? Well, buckle up because we’re diving into the details of this audacious reimagining of BMW’s flagship hybrid. what did gabura racing technologies modify their bmw i8
Gabura Racing Technologies: Who Are They?
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to spotlight the masterminds behind the project. Gabura Racing Technologies (GRT) is a German-based tuning and engineering firm with a penchant for pushing limits. Their expertise lies in high-performance vehicles, particularly in creating race-ready machines that defy conventions. Known for their bold and innovative approach, they’ve worked on everything from supercars to endurance racers.
So, when Gabura Racing Technologies laid eyes on the BMW i8, they didn’t just see a high-tech hybrid. They saw potential—untapped performance waiting to be unleashed.
The BMW i8: A Quick Recap
The BMW i8 was designed as a futuristic sports car that merged sustainability with high performance. It features:
- A 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor.
- A combined power output of 369 horsepower.
- An all-wheel-drive system with an electric motor powering the front wheels and a combustion engine driving the rear wheels.
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction.
While the i8 was revolutionary in its own right, it wasn’t exactly built to dominate the racetrack. Gabura Racing Technologies aimed to change that.
What Did Gabura Racing Technologies Modify in Their BMW i8?
Gabura Racing Technologies didn’t just tweak a few settings; they turned the BMW i8 into a completely different animal. Here’s how they pulled it off:
1. Engine Swap
One of the most radical changes was replacing the i8’s 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine with a 4.4-liter V8 engine from BMW’s M5. Yes, you read that right. This high-performance engine, known as the S63, packs a serious punch, delivering over 600 horsepower. Talk about a glow-up!
- Why the V8 swap? Gabura wanted to emphasize raw power and track-ready performance, something the original hybrid setup couldn’t fully deliver.
- Challenges: Fitting the V8 engine required extensive modifications to the chassis and cooling systems to handle the additional power and heat.
2. Ditching the Hybrid Setup
Gabura Racing Technologies completely removed the i8’s electric motor and battery pack. This wasn’t just a power play—it was also about shedding weight. By doing so, they transformed the i8 from a hybrid sports car into a full-on gasoline-powered race machine.
3. Transmission Overhaul
To complement the V8 engine, Gabura installed a sequential racing gearbox. This type of transmission allows for lightning-fast gear changes, perfect for high-speed track performance. The sequential gearbox also adds to the visceral, mechanical feel that’s often missing in modern hybrids.
4. Suspension and Aerodynamics
With great power comes the need for greater control. Gabura reworked the suspension system to handle the increased horsepower and torque. They also upgraded the aerodynamics to improve downforce and stability at high speeds.
- Adjustable coilovers: These provide better handling and adaptability for different track conditions.
- Custom aero kit: The body modifications include a new splitter, diffuser, and spoiler for enhanced performance.
5. Weight Reduction
By removing the hybrid components and using lightweight materials, Gabura managed to trim the i8’s weight significantly. A lighter car translates to better acceleration, handling, and braking—all critical factors in racing.
6. Interior Stripped for Racing
The luxurious interior of the BMW i8 was swapped for a stripped-down, race-focused cockpit. Out went the leather seats and high-tech displays; in came bucket seats, a roll cage, and a minimalist dashboard.
How Does It Perform?
The Gabura-modified BMW i8 is a track-ready monster. With over 600 horsepower, a lighter body, and improved aerodynamics, it’s built to tear up the asphalt. While exact performance stats aren’t widely available, the V8 engine alone suggests that this car is leagues ahead of its original hybrid form in terms of speed and agility.
FAQs
1. Why did Gabura Racing Technologies remove the hybrid system?
Removing the hybrid system allowed Gabura to focus purely on performance, shedding unnecessary weight and making room for the powerful V8 engine.
2. Can you buy a Gabura-modified BMW i8?
Not exactly. Gabura’s i8 modification was a one-off project. However, their work demonstrates what’s possible with enough creativity (and budget).
3. How much did the modifications cost?
While Gabura hasn’t disclosed exact figures, such extensive modifications likely cost several hundred thousand dollars, including labor and custom parts.
4. Is the modified i8 street-legal?
Due to the removal of the hybrid system and the extensive engine modifications, this car is primarily designed for track use. Street legality would depend on local regulations.
Why This Matters
Gabura Racing Technologies’ bold approach to the BMW i8 challenges the idea that hybrid cars can’t be performance monsters. By swapping out the hybrid system for a V8 powerhouse, they’ve opened the door to new possibilities in automotive tuning. Their work stands as a testament to the potential hidden within hybrid vehicles, waiting to be unlocked by the right hands.
Conclusion
So, what did Gabura Racing Technologies modify in their BMW i8? Practically everything! From the engine to the interior, they reimagined the car as a track-dominating beast. Gabura’s daring modifications highlight the versatility of the BMW i8 and push the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive engineering.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a tech geek, or someone who just loves a good underdog story, Gabura’s take on the i8 is nothing short of inspiring. It’s proof that with enough vision and skill, even a hybrid can roar like a lion on the racetrack! what did gabura racing technologies modify their bmw i8
