BMW is being uncharacteristically forward lately in releasing teasers of new models. Case in point: an early prototype of the future BMW M8 Coupe was introduced and provided a driving demonstration as part of the support program for this past weekend's Nürburgring 24-hour race. Keep in mind that we have not yet seen an uncamouflaged version of the new 8 Series Coupe upon which the M8 will be based, although BMW did reveal its latest concept, the BMW Concept 8 Series, with the assurance that the production 8 Series will probably look similar.
When it does come out, the new M8 will actually be the first-ever production M8, since the original 8 Series, factory code E31, never made an M version available to the public. One E31 M8 prototype was made, and the E31 BMW 850CSi came with an M-tuned engine and a BMW Motorsport VIN prefix, but this all-new M8 will be the first official M8 that we can buy. If we have a lot of money.
Even the camouflage of the new M8 prototype can't hide the big front intakes and the quad tailpipes that have become traditional features of an M car's appearance.
"The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel," explained BMW M division president Frank van Meel. "The future BMW M8 will build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision, and agility. It all flows into a driving experience that bears the familiar BMW M hallmarks and satisfies our customers' most exacting requirements."
Revealing the prototype at a big race is appropriate, since BMW M is also developing a race-spec version of the car, to be called the BMW M8 GTE. It will be the tip of the spear in BMW's return to Le Mans.
"The BMW M8 GTE development program for our Le Mans comeback is in full swing," said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director. "Developing a new racing car is always exciting, and in the case of the BMW M8 GTE the anticipation is that much greater still. We can't reveal any pictures yet, but I can promise you that the BMW M8 GTE will look spectacular. We are planning an initial roll-out for the first half of this year and are looking at giving the car its race debut in the Daytona 24 Hours in late January 2018."
The first half of this year only has a month left so we eagerly look forward to the M8 GTE's formal debut soon.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
