A BMW 8-Series Coupe near-production model is
currently undergoing intensive tests on a high-speed race track in Aprilia,
Italy. The German automaker is looking to optimize the car’s driving dynamics
on surfaces with a high friction coefficient, as the 8-Series Coupe nears its
launch date, scheduled for later this year.
This 4 km long oval circuit features
steep bends which in turn will help BMW asses the car’s acceleration, braking
and steering characteristics. The ultimate goal is to find the sweet spot for
all of the 8-Series Coupe’s drive and suspension systems.
One thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is that the
new 8-Series Coupe is being developed parallel to and in close coordination
with the BMW M8 and M8 GTE race car. As the near-production prototype is
undergoing endurance tests in Italy, BMW Motorsport teams are also preparing
the M8 GTE in Daytona – its race debut will be on 27/28 January at the Daytona
24-hour race, followed by an appearance at the 24-hour race at Le Mans in June.
Also, BMW already presented an M8 prototype last
summer during the 24-hour race on the Nurburgring, a location which serves as
the main proving ground for performing further tests on the M8, before finally
letting it loose in public.
