2015 BMW i8: Is i The New M?

Motor Trend takes a hard look at the new plug-in hybrid performance car from BMW, the crowd stopping i8. The electrification of the sports car is upon us, and BMW’s wild looking entry features a puny turbocharged three-cylinder behind the driver that powers the rear wheels, as well as a potent electric traction motor motivating the fronts. Does the layout sound familiar? It should, because that’s how Porsche constructed the 918 Spyder. Can the lightweight, carbon fiber i8 deliver half the fun of the big bad Porsche at approximately one eighth the price?