The new flagship M model to share its powertrain with current standard M5
BMW’s first M8 has been officially teased in a set of images showing a late prototype hiding under body-concealing camouflage. BMW’s intention of developing a range-topping M8 is no secret, mind, having shown a near-production concept of a BMW M8 Gran Coupe earlier this year at the Geneva motor show, but this is now further detail about the model, and when to expect it.
What comes as little surprise is what the M8 will be packing under its muscular bonnet, namely the same S63 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine as fitted to the M5. It’ll develop the same 590bhp as the standard M5 too, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see a Competition version arriving soon after the standard M8 hits the road with just over 600bhp.
Power will then be sent to the same M xDrive all-wheel-drive system as in the M5, with a heavily rear-biased torque split and a selectable rear-wheel-drive mode, which completely disconnects the front two driveshafts from the action, allowing for more ‘traditional’ BMW M-car sideways action.
Of course, all this performance tech will be mounted on the 8-series’ lower, more dynamically focused chassis. Compared to the M5, the M8 will be shorter, wider and lower, with a lower centre of gravity and an even more rigid body. Like the 7-series, the 8-series is made up from a cocktail of high-strength steel, aluminium and even a small amount of carbonfibre, to keep that weight in check. In order to make the M8 even sharper, the BMW M Division has developed further support into the chassis structure itself and a bespoke suspension set-up.
As the M8 Gran Coupe Concept previewed, the M8 will also be available in four-door coupe form, while an M8 Convertible, based on the recently revealed 8-series Convertible, will eventually top the M8 range.
As for what the new BMW M8 will rival is a similar story to its lesser M850isibling. Larger and more opulent than a Porsche 911, yet more focused and dynamic than a Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe, the M8 will have space around it to breathe, but at around the £110-130k price range the M8 will likely cost when it arrives next year, there are plenty of indirect, but very talented performance rivals also on offer.
This article originally appeared at
evo.co.uk
