Rumormill: BMW developing M8 hybrid sports car

This isn't the first time we've heard rumblings about the possibility of BMW producing a hybrid sports car based on its Vision EfficientDynamics concept. Now, though, the German magazine Autozeitung report that the new sports car could potentially be named M8, and more importantly, that the plug-in hybrid motor from the concept will be ditched in favor of something sweeter.

Instead of a wholly electric motor, these new rumors suggest that the production M8 will use a version of the E60 M5's 5.0-liter V10, but with two electric motors added on for good measure. These two electric mills will be mounted at the front and rear, similar to the layout seen in the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, and should produce around 150 horsepower, combined. Add the V10 to those whirring motors and we expect total output to be somewhere between 600-700 hp. If this is the future of hybrid sports cars, we're okay with it.

The magazine also reports that the M8 will be about five inches longer than the original Vision concept, and that a two-plus-two seating configuration will be offered inside. If the project remains on track, expect to see BMW's hybrid supercar debut at some point in 2012.

[Source: Autozeitung via TeamSpeed, BMWblog]