BMW has taken the wraps off the new M8 Gran Coupe. Set to arrive in the United
States early next year, the high-performance model follows in the footsteps of
the M8 Coupe and Convertible. As a result, the car is powered by a twin-turbo
4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 592 hp and 750
Nm of torque.
The engine is connected to an eight-speed M
Steptronic transmission which sends power to a rear-biased and defeatable
all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the M8 Gran Coupe to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of up
to 305 km/h when equipped with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Buyers looking for more performance can order the M8
Competition Gran Coupe. It features an upgraded engine that develops 616 hp and 750 Nm of torque. Thanks to the extra power,
the dash to 100 km/h is cut to 3.2 seconds. However, the top speed
remains unchanged at 250 km/h and 305 km/h with the M
Driver’s Package.
Of course, the performance upgrades don’t end there
as the M8 has been equipped with a double-wishbone front axle that has
“specially designed swivel bearings, torque arms and control arms.” The updates continue out back as the
five-link rear axle has M-specific forged links and “extremely stiff” anti-roll
bars.
Elsewhere, the car has been equipped with a shear
panel and a tower-to-bulkhead strut to increase torsional strength up
front. Likewise, there’s a steel X-brace
and an aluminum transverse strut to beef things up in the rear.
Other performance-oriented features include an
Active M Differential, an M Servotronic steering system and an M-specific
adaptive suspension. There’s also a
high-performance braking system and optional carbon-ceramic brakes. In terms of styling, the front
end carries over from the coupe and convertible. As a result, the model has a black kidney
grille which resides above aggressive air intakes.
The sporty styling continues further back as the
Gran Coupe has aerodynamic mirrors, a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic roof and
20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. Other
highlights include an aggressive rear bumper, a trunk-mounted spoiler and a
four-tailpipe exhaust system.
For a more exclusive look, customers can order an
optional M Carbon exterior package. It
adds an assortment of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic components including
mirror caps, a rear diffuser, a rear spoiler and inserts for the front air
intakes.
Moving into the cabin, drivers will find an
assortment of M-specific touches. These
include M Sport seats, an M leather steering wheel and a unique gear selector. The model also has a 12.3-inch
digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a head-up
display. Other highlights include carbon
fiber trim, ambient lighting and a wireless smartphone charger.
Buyers looking for something even more exclusive can
get the M8 Gran Coupe First Edition.
Production will be limited to 400 units – 50 are coming to the US – and
it features a BMW Individual Aurora Diamond Green metallic exterior with Gold
Bronze accents. The model also has unique wheels, special door sill plates and
Taruma Brown Merino leather. In the United States, the M8 Gran Coupe will start at US$ 130,000. The more powerful Competition variant costs
an extra US$ 13,000 and that’s before the US$ 995 destination charge.