Before the sexy BMW 8 Series arrives, BMW will put the M8 GTE on the track next season as it competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship, in addition to the to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The BMW M8 GTE debuted today at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The BMW M8 GTE is powered by a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine with more than 500 hp, depending on the classification. The cylinder block and cylinder head are taken from the production engine and are produced in the light alloy foundry at the BMW Group plant in Landshut. The V8 is mated to a sequential, six-speed racing gearbox.
“The BMW M8 GTE is our new GT flagship and will go head to head with the strong opposition in this sector,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “For us, the presentation of the uncamouflaged car at the IAA is the next important step on the road to our first race outing, which we plan to be the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018. The FIA WEC and the IMSA series in North America are a top competitive environment for our new challenger. With the BMW M8 GTE, we are bringing cutting-edge technology to the top international class of GT racing, whilst at the same time tying in with our tradition at Le Mans. The development of the BMW M8 GTE is on schedule, and we can hardly wait to see the car challenging for victories in 2018.”
The M8 GTE went on a significant diet plan thanks to the extensive use of ultra-light CFRP components. It weighs in at at only 2,690 pounds.
Source: BMW
