HOT M8 TO HIT THE TRACK IN 2018
BMW’S M DIVISION wasted little time in revealing its plans for an M8, demonstrating a camouflaged prototype during the weekend of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, at the circuit on which much of the model’s development is taking place.
Due on sale in 2019 as a rival to the Mercedes-amg S63 Coupé and Bentley Continental GT, the new M8 will use a mechanical package shared with the upcoming sixth-generation M5, including its twinturbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, eight-speed torque converter-equipped automatic gearbox and xdrive four-wheel drive.
BMW M boss Frank van Meel said the new M8 will be a true M car that will “build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous portions of sharpness, precision and agility”. Nothing is official yet, but M division engineers suggest early computer simulations hint at a 0-62mph time in the “low three-second bracket”.
The M8 will receive a number of classic M styling features, including larger air intakes, modified brakes, more heavily flared wheel arches and a sports exhaust with the company’s signature quad tailpipe treatment.
It will use a new electronics system to continuously control the apportioning of power. Drivers will be able to choose between full-time four-wheel drive, a fourwheel drive Sport mode and rear-wheel drive via the M-dynamic drive mode controller.
Confirming that the new range topping M-car has been an integral part of the 8 Series development program since its inception, van Meel said: “The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel.”
The M8 will also form the basis of BMW’S endurance racing car, the M8 GTE. That car will make its competition debut at the Daytona 24 Hours next January, before competing in the 2018 World Endurance Championship, of which the Le Mans 24 Hours is a part.
“The M8 GTE development programme for our Le Mans comeback is in full swing,” said BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquart. “I can’t reveal anything yet, but I can promise you that it will look spectacular.”