Contents Show
The BMW M8 silhouette is still hidden behind a Erlkönig foil. The new BMW M8 Coupé is on the last few meters of the home straight to series production. BMW M GmbH is testing an early prototype of its future top model on the Grand Prix circuit in Estoril, Portugal.
The conceptual basis created with the BMW 8 Series Coupé offers ideal prerequisites for the new BMW M8. In terms of weight optimization, center of gravity, axle load distribution, wheelbase length and track width, the BMW 8 Series Coupé has perfect conditions. The body and chassis impress with their high rigidity.
M-specific suspension tuning for maximum dynamics
Nevertheless, the engineers at BMW M GmbH have done extensive work to achieve the typical characteristics of a BMW M model for the new M8. Example chassis: A fundamental revision of the chassis design ensures outstanding agility and precision. All components have been redesigned with regard to M-specific kinematic and elastokinematic properties.
The electromechanical M Servotronic steering also helps the new BMW M8 to achieve extremely precise handling characteristics, even when driving in a highly dynamic manner on the racetrack. It offers outstanding accuracy when turning, provides the driver with optimal feedback at all times and provides the right steering torque in every driving situation.
BMW M8 prototype 360° video
In addition to an optimized weight, the new Coupe standard M compound brake system high braking comfort, precise dosing and a stable deceleration performance even under high loads. The optional M carbon-ceramic brake is characterized by a further increase in braking performance, even greater fading stability, maximum thermal stability and particularly high wear resistance.
The standard 19-inch M light-alloy wheels of the new Munich car are combined with mixed tires, as are the optional 20-inch M light-alloy wheels. As a result, and thanks to ultra-high-performance tires, particularly high cornering forces can be used for highly dynamic cornering behavior.
V8 twin turbo technology with more than 600 hp
The latest version of the V8 engine ensures performance befitting its status. The high-revving engine features M TwinPower Turbo technology and develops a maximum output of more than 440 kW/600 hp. The characteristic sound of the V8 is additionally emphasized by a valve-controlled exhaust system.
M xDrive provides the necessary traction and can drift
The spontaneously deployed, linearly unfolding power of the V8 engine is transmitted to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. The drive torque is transferred to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel drive, which was first introduced in the BMW M5, with an agile configuration that emphasizes the rear wheel. It only provides power to the front axle when the rear wheels are pushed to the limits of their power transmission capabilities.
The M Dynamic mode also enables controlled drifts. In addition, when the DSC driving stability control is deactivated, the 2WD mode can be called up for pure rear-wheel drive without any restrictive control systems.
The Active M differential in the rear axle differential also ensures maximum agility and at the same time the best possible traction in all road and weather conditions. It is also designed to be fully variable and generates a locking effect between zero and 100 percent.
Three body variants of the M8 planned
Just like the drive and chassis technology, the exterior design of the new BMW M8 is in the final phase of the development process. With large, functional air intakes at the front of the vehicle, M-specific features for optimized aerodynamic properties and four exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron, the camouflaged prototypes already bear the design elements of a BMW M model.
The new BMW 8 Series Coupé is the pioneer of a complete family of high-performance sports cars. In addition to the BMW M8 Coupé, two other model variants are currently in the development phase with the BMW M8 Convertible and the BMW M8 Gran Coupé.