Bimmerphiles are eagerly awaiting the return of the
8 Series and that day is fast approaching. But in the meantime, we have some
fresh news and photos to share. According to BMW Blog, the German automaker is
preparing to slot an M Sport variant into the forthcoming 8 Series lineup in
between the standard 840i and the full-on M8.
The rumors are still far from confirmed, but word
has it that the M850i could pack over 500 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8,
accompanied by a stiffer suspension, carbon-fiber roof, and other go-fast
goodies.
The new 8 Series is slated to enter production
sometime next year in Dingolfing, Germany. Our first glimpse at the finished
production, however, may come in the form of the M8 GTE that's set to compete
in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar
Championship.
The latter kicks off with the Rolex 24 at Daytona in
January, preceded by a full test session at the same Florida circuit early in
December – now less than two weeks away.
In preparation, BMW has undertaken a rigorous test
regime of its own, shaking down its new racer at Paul Ricard in France for 24
hours straight. The images you see here were captured during that test session,
an give us another glimpse at the competition version of the sports tourer to
follow.
