THE POWER OF 8 - BMW M8
According to a man with a stopwatch, BMW’s upcoming sports coupe has lapped the ‘Ring in 7:30
We’ve known for some time now that BMW M was working very hard on their M8 and M8 Competition siblings, and now, with an unveil imminent, the German luxury automaker has released a handful of camouflage pictures of the M8 running hard around a race track. But that’s not all, as they revealed some very interesting information that suggests that the M8 will indeed be something truly special when it debuts shortly.
For starters, the M8 will be powered by the very same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 that powers the M5. Except BMW M have promised that the M8 will have more than 600 horsepower. This leads us to believe that while the M5 Competition makes 460kw, the M8 will make around the same, with the M8 Competition rumoured to be producing a staggering 485kw. Like the M5, it will also feature a variable M-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system with a drift mode.
Aside from more power, the M8 Competition is expected to feature a lower ride height, firmer suspension calibration with revised spring rates and dampers, stiffer motor mounts, and a sports exhaust system, over the regular M8. BMW is also claiming they are taking adjustability to a whole new level with the M8 and M8 Competition, as they will offer adjustable steering, suspension, transmission, engine, differential, and all-wheel drive settings.
The M-specific version of a new braking technology paves the way for the configuration of braking characteristics, a feature available for the first time in the new BMW M8. The new system brings together the brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions within a compact module. The integrated braking system reduces weight by around two kilograms and employs a vacuum-free brake booster to enhance the car’s overall efficiency. The brake pressure required is triggered by an electric actuator, which allows it to be generated more dynamically and also ensures significantly faster and more precise interventions from the driving stability control system.
Another interesting titbit, is the fact that one wily spotter, timed a BMW tested M8 Coupe lapping the Nurburgring on his stopwatch. The lap time? 7:29.5. Granted, this isn’t the most accurate way to time a lap these days, but it would be accurate to within a few seconds. And considering this was the Coupe, it’s very likely the Gran Coupe version of the M8 will be slightly slower – meaning it is possibly slower than its Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S rival around the Green Hell.
Earlier this week, a picture (attached) of the M8 Competition surfaced online, apparently taken at a recent exclusive presentation of the vehicle, giving us an opportunity to get a glimpse of what the sports car will look like in an undisguised form. Let’s not forget, the M8 will be available in three body styles – Coupe, Gran Coupe and a Convertible. BMW have yet to confirm when the M8 and M8 Competition will be unveiled, but it is likely to happen in the coming weeks, with the high-powered sports car likely to arrive in South Africa towards the end of 2019 or in early 2020.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW M8 cost in South Africa?
The BMW M8 Coupe starts at around R2,850,000 in South Africa, while the M8 Competition will likely push closer to R3,200,000 when it arrives, making it one of the priciest performance coupes on our market.
Q: How much power does the BMW M8 have?
The BMW M8 produces over 441kW from its twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, while the M8 Competition cranks out a massive 485kW, making it more powerful than the already bonkers M5 Competition.
Q: Is the BMW M8 worth buying over other supercars?
The BMW M8 offers supercar performance with grand tourer comfort and all-weather capability thanks to its xDrive system, making it more practical than rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo S or McLaren 570S for daily driving.
Q: What's the difference between the BMW M8 and M8 Competition?
The M8 Competition gets 44kW more power, lower suspension, stiffer springs and dampers, plus a sports exhaust system, essentially making it the track-focused version of an already mental fast coupe.
Should You Buy It?
The BMW M8 is an absolute weapon that delivers supercar thrills with luxury car comfort, but at R2,850,000, it's entering seriously exotic territory. If you want the ultimate BMW grand tourer and have the budget, the M8 Competition at R3,200,000 is the one to get, offering 485kW and a 7:30 Nurburgring lap time that embarrasses most dedicated supercars. However, for half the price, the M5 Competition gives you 90% of the performance with more practicality. The M8 is worth buying if you're after the ultimate BMW coupe experience and won't miss the extra million rand.
