BMW to Take Wraps Off the M8 Coupe

By Paul Joseph

The BMW M8, one of the most anticipated performance cars of this year, is finally set to be unveiled at the end of the month, marking the first ever 8 Series car to receive the “M” treatment from the German luxury carmaker.

The M8 Coupe marks the first time BMW has launched an M8 since the original 8 Series from the 1990s – and the consensus is that the wait as been more than worth it.

Under the M8’s long, sculpted hood is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine – the same as can be found in the new BMW M5.

The engine, which produces 600 horsepower and 553 ft-lb of torque, is coupled with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission that transfers the power to all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system.

According to its makers the M8 coupe will reach 60mph in 3.1 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 155mph. The optional M Driver’s Package can take the top speed to 190mph.

The convertible version, meanwhile, is one-tenth of a second slower than its coupe sibling, while BMW also has a more powerful Competition variant that sits as the flagship model.

The twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine in this variant produces 617 horsepower, which helps the GT car accelerate from zero to 60mph in 3 seconds flat.

In terms of appearance, the new M8 has subtle design elements that differentiate it from the standard 8 Series models, including carbon fibre mirrors and spoiler along with gloss-black trim and badges.

The BMW M8 will make its public debut at BMW’s #NextGen event in Munich at the end of June and will go on sale at the beginning of September.

Pricing starts at $133,000 for the coupe version, while the convertible carries a price-tag of $142,500.

Expand
By Paul Joseph