BMW’s range-topping 8 Series isn’t expected to be revealed until September and even before we see the rival to Merc’s S-Class Coupe, engineers at the BMW M performance division are ploughing ahead with the development of a super-potent M variant.
To prove it, pictures of a fully camouflaged, early prototype of the future BMW M8 have been released.
In true M style, the exterior includes larger air intakes and a sports exhaust with four tailpipes that point to the significantly upgraded power and dynamic potential of the car, whetting the appetite for an intense and emotional driving experience. Sharper brakes are also included to temper the fiercer power output.
Sharper and greater agility
Frank van Meel, president of BMW’s M division, confirmed that conception and development of the M8 and the standard BMW 8 Series – essentially a coupe version of the 7 Series but with more dramatic looks – have run in parallel.
“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,” he explained.
“It all flows into a driving experience that bears the familiar BMW M hallmarks and satisfies our customers’ most exacting requirements.”
Racer also coming
As if an M car wasn’t enough, a race-spec car is also being developed under the M8 GTE name, which will spearhead the return of BMW Motorsport to Le Mans.
Jens Marquardt, director of BMW Motorsport, provided some insight into how the GTE was being worked out.
“Developing a new racing car is always exciting, and in the case of the BMW M8 GTE the anticipation is that much greater still,” he explained.
“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 rollout 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.”
The standard 8 Series could receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with the first cars reaching UK roads from the middle of 2018.
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