Nother CarGuy

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 (441 kW / 600 PS) and 553 lb-ft (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 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of up to 190 mph (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 (460 kW / 625 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power, the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) is cut to 3.2 seconds. However, the top speed remains unchanged at 155 mph...

The long-awaited BMW M8 has premiered and not only has it debuted in Coupe form, but BMW has also presented the M8 Convertible, M8 Coupe Competition and M8 Convertible Competition. Found beneath the hood of the ‘standard’ M8 Coupe and M8 Convertible models is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 from the M5 and pumping out 592 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. BMW has increased grunt from this engine to 617 hp for use in the M8 Coupe Competition and M8 Convertible Competition. All M8 models come outfitted with an advanced xDrive all-wheel drive system mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The standard M8 duo are capable of accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a blistering 3.3 seconds (Coupe) and 3.4 seconds (Convertible). The Competition models are a touch more accelerative with the Coupe needing 3.2 seconds to hit 62 mph and the Convertible requiring 3.3 seconds. The all-wheel drive system of the M8 family incorporates an Active M differential a...

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 (2.5 mile) 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. “The test drives under the most severe conditions show that we are right on target with our concept for the new BMW 8 Series Coupe. The vehicle dynamics values already achieved are absolutely impressive. Our customers and fans can look forward to a genuine sports car,” stated BMW R&D board member, Klaus Frohlich. One thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is that the new 8-Series Coupe is b...

GT racing cars are typically based on production models. And so it is with the new BMW M8 GTE. The difference here is that BMW has unveiled the competition version before the road-going model. The racing version of the Bavarian automaker's forthcoming flagship sports coupe, the new M8 GTE is set to replace the M6 GTLM and Z4 GTE as BMW's top sports racer – and mark its anticipated return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new BMW M8 GTE packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 – based on the production block and cylinder heads – mandated by regulations to produce no more than 500 horsepower. Power is transmitted by a six-speed sequential gearbox. Since the production model (previewed by the stunning concept at Villa d'Este) wasn't already finished when development began on the M8 GTE, computer simulation played a big part in developing the traction control and the vehicle's form. The use of carbon-fiber bodywork helped kee...

A fully-fledged M version of the re-born 8-Series is coming with BMW previewing the production M8 through a camouflaged prototype. Revealed shortly after the presentation of the 8-Series concept model in Milan, Italy, earlier this week, the M8 will make its official debut in a driving presentation as part of the support program for the Nürburgring 24-hour race. “The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel,” said BMW M boss 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.” BMW won’t divulge details about the powertrain yet, but it’s believed that the M8 will adopt the new M5’s running gear, including a 600 horsepower or so V8 together with the specially de...