The 8 Series Convertible only broke cover last week, but BMW is wasting no time teasing another future model in the 8 Series family: the much-anticipated M8. There have been plenty of rumors about BMW’s new flagship coupe, but the automaker has confirmed some of the M8's technical details, which is “en route to series production.”
New photos also show a camouflaged M8 prototype being put through its paces at the Estoril grand-prix racing circuit in Portugal allowing BMW to fine-tune the car's dynamics.
Just as rumors suggested, BMW has confirmed the M8 will be even more powerful than the new M5. Specific details are still being kept under wraps, but BMW says the M8 will use a “high-revving” TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces over 600 hp. Previous rumors have suggested the M8 will have 615 hp on tap. That would make it more powerful than the standard M5’s 600-hp figure, but less powerful than the M5 Competition, which has 625 hp. The M8 will serve as BMW’s new flagship, so don’t be surprised if a more powerful M8 Competition model joins the line-up.
The M8 won’t just share the M5’s powertrain either, as it will also have an M xDrive all-wheel drive system. It will be rear biased to keep purists happy and offer a traditional 2WD mode. As you’d expect for a full-fat BMW M car, the handling will also be exceptional.
BMW says the car’s M-specific suspension “delivers exceptional directional stability, steering precision and cornering dynamics.” BMW M has also increased the rigidity of the body structure, chassis components and chassis mounting. According to BMW, the M8 will be lighter than the standard 8 Series, have a low center of gravity, even weight distribution, optimum wheelbase and wide tracks.
Sadly, there’s still a long time to wait for the car’s unveiling, as BMW confirmed the M8 Coupe will launch in 2019 followed by the BMW M8 Convertible and BMW M8 Gran Coupe.
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