Earlier this year we heard quite a bit about BMW's plans to create a topless version of its i8. Then spring turned to summer and the Bavarian automaker decided to focus its attention elsewhere. But according to Australian outlet Motoring the i8 Roadster will soon make its world debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show which kicks off at the end of September. What's more is that the topless version will debut alongside a refreshed coupe. Despites its futuristic look the i8 is due for a refresh. It was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with deliveries starting summer '14.

In a typical five-year product cycle that makes the i8 ripe for a facelift. Motoring expects the changes to include more power, a refined chassis, a longer electric-only range and the option of wireless charging. A few months back BMW showed off the 2017 i3, with a 33 kWh battery (the old one was only 22 kWh) and a new max electric range of 114 miles (up from 81). The automaker says the current i8 has a max electric range of 23 miles, so it shouldn't be tough to top that in the refreshed version. Of course what we care most about is the total power output of the new i8 and i8 Roadster. Earlier in the year we reported that the new i8 could make around 420 combined horsepower and feature an overhauled six-speed automatic transmission.

Despite being a hybrid the i8 is no slouch. It has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and can do 0-62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. We expect the new i8 to improve upon that 0-62 time while being more efficient and offering a longer electric range. Sometimes the march of technology draws our ire, but other times we welcome innovation with arms and scissor doors wide open.