BMW has revealed the M8 Coupe and the M8 Convertible and this M model from BMW is the fastest two-door car from the brand. The M8 is based on the M850i and the car’s engine is shared with the BMW M5 and the chassis is meticulously developed on the race track, by using the BMW M8 GTE in the configuration process.
The M8 is powered by a 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8-cylinder engine that produces 600 HP of power @ 6000 RPM and 750 Nm of torque 1800 to 5600 RPM. The engine on the standard M8 is in a detuned state and the M8 Competition model makes 625 HP of power and the same 750 Nm of torque but peak torque is delivered slightly early than the standard model. The engine is coupled to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with M gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and Drivelogic selector switch. The Drivelogic switch allows the driver to select from three modes – efficient, sporty or ultra-dynamic. The drivetrain sends the power to all four wheels via an ‘M xDrive’ all-wheel-drive system.
The M8 Competition Coupe model can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 3.2 seconds thanks to the stiffer engine mounts. The M8 Competition Convertible can do the same in 3.3 seconds which is one-tenth slower than the Coupe. The standard M8 Coupe can do the same in 3.3 seconds and the M8 Convertible in 3.4 seconds. The car is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 kmph and with an optional Driver’s package, this can be increased to 306 kmph, where the law permits. The optional Driver’s package also consists of a higher speed rating on the tyres.
The chassis of the M8 model has been developed by testing at the BMW Group’s test track in Miramas in southern France, the winter testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden and the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, along with other race circuits which gives the performance model an edge. The exterior dimension of the M8 Coupe measure in at 4,867mm in length, 1,907mm in width and 1,362mm in height.
On the exterior, the M8 gets a large kidney grille with M double bars, M badging on the grille and on the side air vents, 20-inch M Sport wheels, aerodynamic M Sport mirror housing, a lip spoiler on the boot lid, a rear apron with diffuser and quad tailpipes. An optional, M Carbon exterior package is also on offer.
On the interiors, the car gets M Sport seats, illuminated M8 badging on the headrest, M leather steering wheel with a red ‘M’ buttons, a newly designed gear selector, instrument cluster with M screens, Parking Assistant and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content, BMW display key, etc.
The new BMW M8 Coupe includes a double-bubble contoured carbon fibre-reinforced roof, recollective of the classic racing cars. The convertible gets a multi-layer soft-top that opens and closes in 15 seconds at the touch of a button.
