BMW is giving us a preview of the highly
anticipated M8. Described as “en route to series production,” the automaker has
finally confirmed rumors that the model will be more powerful than the M5.
While the company was coy on specifics, BMW said the M8 lineup will use a
“high-revving” TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces more than 591 hp.
The exact figure remains a mystery, but the M5
Competition has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that produces 617 hp and 750 Nm of torque. This enables the sedan to accelerate from
0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. BMW
also confirmed the M8 will have an M xDrive all-wheel drive system. While
purists may hate the idea, it will be rear biased and offer a traditional 2WD
mode.
Since the model is a full-bore M car, its upgrades
will be far more extensive than those used on the M850i. BMW didn’t go into
specifics, but said the car will have a unique suspension which delivers
“exceptional directional stability, steering precision and cornering dynamics.”
The upgrades will also find their way to the chassis
as the company has confirmed they were able to increase the rigidity of the
body structure, chassis components and chassis mounting points. Speaking of
which, BMW says the M8 will have an even weight distribution, an optimum
wheelbase and wide tracks.
Engineers have also paid attention to heft as the
company says the car will be relatively lightweight and have a low center of
gravity. That’s pretty vague, but the 2019 M850i xDrive uses a number of
lightweight components such as aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber. The model
also offers an optional carbon fiber roof and we wouldn’t be surprised if it is
standard on the M8.
We still have a bit of a wait until the car is
unveiled as BMW confirmed the M8 Coupe won’t be launched until 2019. It will
eventually be followed by the M8 Convertible and M8 Gran Coupe.
