Earlier today we featured America’s attempt at downsizing, which is definite step in the right direction, but is still – let’s face it – bloody massive. Europe are making things much smaller.

Leading the way are BMW, whose latest supercar is powered by a tiny three-cylinder 1.5 litre turbo engine. And some electric motors. Big electric motors.

The striking looking i8 uses a combination of these power sources to deliver incredible performance and incredible fuel economy, deciding how much of each source is best to use at any given time. Clever stuff, although sometimes we don’t think the humble Toyota Prius gets enough credit…

TLCB Master MOCer Sheepo has decided to recreate this technical tour-de-force in Lego Technic, and his stunning replica i8 is very nearly as advanced as the real car. Power Functions RC drive and steering are included, as are an electrically operated retractable roof and opening scissor doors, plus the BMW’s dinky three-cylinder engine.

And then it’s gets really interesting. Sheepo has recreated (sort of) the BMW’s ingenious Hybrid system, with an electrically powered front axel, plus two more motors on the rear axel that are activated on the selection of Sport Mode, to give the car all-wheel-drive. The gearbox mounted in the middle equalises these motors to ensure smooth drive to each wheel, as well as upping the drive ratio when Sport Mode is engaged.

You can see how it all works at Sheepo’s website here (at the time of writing the i8 is yet to be published on the usual image-sharing platforms), or via the excellent video below.

YouTube Video: