BMW M8 is developed in parallel to the standard 8-Series with performance, track ability and precise handling in mind
BMW has previewed the high performance version of the resurrected 8-Series through a camouflaged test prototype. The M8, as menacing as it sounds, was revealed in a short duration following the global debut of the 8-Series concept as part of the support program for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race.
The concept and development of the regular 8-series and its M version have been done simultaneously said the boss of BMW M division, Frank van Meel. The production M8 will be developed along the lines of the standard 8-Series. It will be created focusing on track performance in mind and will have “dynamic sharpness, precision and agility”.
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No details of the powertrain have been officially announced so far, but we can expect a V8 engine producing in excess of 600 horsepower and it will be coupled with a modified version of the track-spec xDrive all-wheel-drive system with rear-only mode. Moreover, most of the performance parts could be derived from the highly popular M5.
Also rumoured is the more sophisticated M860i xDrive which will adopt engine from the M760i. The twin turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 engine must be good enough to pump out around 600 hp. Additionally, there will be an M8 GTE which will on top of the development charts on BMW Motorsport’s comeback into Le Mans.
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The BMW M8 GTE programme is under intense stage of development and there seems to have substantial progress made. The Bavarian automaker’s Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt says even though no pictures can be released at this stage, the GTE looks spectacular and it is planning to be rolled out in the first half of this year. It is expected to make track debut at the famous Daytona 24 Hour in the first month of 2018.
