Revolutionary Road: The Surprising Manufacturer Behind the 500-HP Rotary i8

The BMW i8: A Rotary Revolution
The BMW i8 is one of the most exciting cars to spot on the road, especially for fans of modern exotics. However, despite its unique design and advanced technology, the i8 has always lacked a certain je ne sais quoi – a certain kick in the pants. Enter Jon Volk, a car enthusiast who’s set out to fix that with a mind-blowing swap: he’s replaced the i8’s three-cylinder engine with a 13B Mazda rotary.
A More Powerful Engine, a More Fun Car
Volk’s vision is to turn the i8 into a serious performance car, one that’s capable of putting a smile on the driver’s face. With the 13B rotary engine, he’s achieved just that. The new engine is much more powerful than the stock setup, producing a whopping 280 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. That’s a significant increase from the i8’s standard 369 horsepower.
A Smooth Transmission
One of the biggest challenges of swapping in a new engine is figuring out how to mate it with the existing transmission. In the case of the i8, the stock transmission was a bit of a lemon. Volk tossed it out and replaced it with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from an Audi RS3. This transmission is much better suited to handling the increased power output of the rotary engine.
A Track-Ready i8
While the project is still in progress, Volk hopes to have it finished and ready for its debut at the Grid Life event at Lime Rock Park in August. Ideally, he’ll have the car track-ready by then, but if not, he at least wants to have it ready for public viewing. We can’t wait to see the final build and how it performs on the track.
The Future of the i8
The BMW i8 has always been a unique car, but with Jon Volk’s modifications, it’s become something truly special. With its new rotary engine and seven-speed transmission, the i8 is now capable of delivering a driving experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a fan of the i8 or just love the idea of a rotary-powered car, this project is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Photos:
[Image: A black BMW i8 with a sleek, aerodynamic body kit]
[Image: A close-up shot of the 13B rotary engine]
[Image: A photo of the i8’s interior, with a modified dashboard and new seats]
[Image: A shot of the i8’s rear end, with a unique spoiler and diffuser]
Video:
[Video: A clip of the i8 in action, with the sound of the rotary engine revving]
Follow Jon Volk:
- Twitter: @JonVolk
- Instagram: @JonVolk
- YouTube: @JonVolk
About the Author:
- The author is a car enthusiast with a passion for performance and customization.