The BMW M8 Coupé and Cabriolet are now revealed, and almost here. In coupe and convertible, regular and Competition, with up to 625 hp and all-wheel drive.
When BMW's new 8 Series two-door arrived, it was actually the M8 that showed up first. Sort of. The M8 race car was the first of the 8's, but the non-M version of the large luxury two-door was the first to hit the streets. Now that the M8 racer is about to be put out to pasture, it's time for the M8 road car to arrive. Which seems like some odd timing, but with a look at the spec sheet for the road car, you might not care.
That's because of the 4.4L twin-turbo V8. The high-revving engine with close-coupled turbos delivers 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in base form, with that torque level flat between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. In the Competition version, that torque curve stays flat for another 200 rpm and means 625 hp from the engine that gets special mountings for what BMW calls crisper response. And more in-cabin noise.
Keeping that engine cool is no small feat, and the M8 gets a center radiator with two high-temp water circuits. Plus an extra engine oil cooler and a separate trans cooler. With an extra front oil sump to make sure that the engine gets oil even on the track.
There's just one gearbox on the list, an eight-speed automatic with drivelogic. That gives drivers three shift modes to choose from: efficient, sporty, and "ultra-dynamic." There are paddles as well for those who want them. That box sends power to the rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel drive system with Active M Differential. Turn of stability control and rear-drive only is available for getting sideways in the M8.
Chassis changes to the M8 start with M-specific components and revised settings, like M-car forged links in the rear and stiffer roll bars. A strut tower to firewall brace, steel underbody X-brace, and aluminum transverse strut all make the car more rigid.
An adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers and an electromechanical M steering rack control the wheels to offer improved cornering and let the 20-inch 275mm-wide front and 285 rear performance tires do their jobs.
M-compound steel brakes are standard, with carbon ceramics on offer. Both get an adjustable brake booster that can vary pedal feel and pressure.
Other than the exhaust note, setting the M8 apart outside are new larger air intakes and a double-bar grille. Plus gloss black mirrors, gills, and kidneys. Look closely and there's a double-bubble carbon fibre roof on the hardtop.
Inside, the M8s get special leather options, head-up display with M screens, as well as a new Setup button for picking drive modes and an M mode to adjust driver assistance features. The standard M8 gets Road and Sport modes with the Competition adding a Track setting.
While we're seeing the cars in photos now, the public world premiere is set for an event at the end of this month. Expect the cars to go on sale later this year.
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