BMW M8 is confirmed after a prototype tears around the Nurburgring
ALONGSIDE the release of the unveiling of the BMW 8 Series an BMW M model is being worked on.
BMW M8 is a performance version of the new 8 Series, currently in development
BMW M8, a performance version of the new 8 Series, is currently being manufactured by BMW’s M division.
A fully camouflaged, early prototype of the future BMW M8 was on display at the support programme for the Nurburgring 24-hour race over the weekend.
It features classical M features like larger air intakes, modified breaks, a sports exhaust with four tailpipes.
Enhanced performance under the bonnet is also to be expected and these exterior tweaks certainly confirm that.
“The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel,” explains Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division.
“The future BMW M8 will build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision and agility.
“It all flows into a driving experience that bears the familiar BMW M hallmarks and satisfies our customers’ most exacting requirements.”
The camouflaged performance car debuted at Nurburgring 24 at the weekend
The M8 however seems to only loosely resemble the new 8 Series, which could be quite disappointing for some.
Our Le Mans comeback is in full swing
From the images the car looks larger and more muscular and more closely resembles a 5 Series, apart from the new headlights.
It does not feature the same narrow and sleek front-end which could be a divisive feature for some as that is an iconic feature of the 8 Series and a talking points of the new car.
Development is also underway of a race-spec car – the BMW M8 GTE – to spearhead the return of BMW Motorsport to Le Mans: “The BMW M8 GTE development programme for our Le Mans comeback is in full swing,” says BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.
The new car features a bulkier and more muscular design that the new 8 Series
“Developing a new racing car is always exciting, and in the case of the BMW M8 GTE the anticipation is that much greater still.
“We can’t reveal any pictures yet, but I can promise you that the BMW M8 GTE will look spectacular.
“We are planning an initial roll-out for the first half of this year and are looking at giving the car its race debut in the Daytona 24 Hours in late January 2018.”