Following a short teaser video and the debut of the 8 Series concept earlier this week, BMW has now released a full set of photos of a camouflaged BMW M8 prototype. A fully camouflaged, early prototype of the BMW M8 will be unveiled in a driving presentation as part of the support program for the Nürburgring 24-hour race.
The BMW M8 could get the same 4.4L V8 as the M5
“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.”
Related: BMW 8 Series concept previews 2019 8 Series
Although most of the details are covered up, the traditional BMW M cues are there, like larger air intakes, modified brakes and a sports exhaust with four tailpipes. We also don’t know what will power the M8, but it could get the same twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 as the upcoming M5 and maybe even all-wheel drive.
BMW has also confirmed that work is already underway on a race-spec M8: the BMW M8 GTE. The M8 GTE will lead the return of BMW Motorsport to Le Mans.
“Developing a new racing car is always exciting, and in the case of the BMW M8 GTE the anticipation is that much greater still,” says BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “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.”
Source: BMW