BMW is preparing a more potent version of the i8 for its centenary celebrations in 2016, sources have revealed to our sister publication, Autocar UK.

The new model, rumoured to be called i9, would use the same carbonfibre tub as the i8, but would get more aggressive styling, a larger engine and a more powerful electric motor. The engine is understood to be the new modular 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit that is in development and set to appear first in the upcoming 7-series replacement overseas.

The i9 will be the next model to join BMW’s i sub-brand. Also planned is the i5, a stretched version of the i3.

Expect the i9 to improve on i8's 0-100kph sprint time of 4.4 seconds, as well as its 250kph top speed.