We’ve been waiting a long time for a production ready version of the BMW M8 and now we have it. Well, not just one M8 but 4 variants on the car. The car will be available as a coupe or as a convertible model and both those body styles come as ‘Competition’ spec cars.
Driveline and Performance
Powering all variants of the M8 is the S63B44T4. Variants of this 4.4-litre V8 have found their way into BMW M cars since 2011. The current M5 gets the same engine as this. Here the standard M8 models extract 600hp from the engine while the Competition models get 625hp instead. They’re all equipped with BMW M xDrive rear-biased AWD system and an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
Because of the differences in weight, each of these models go from 0-100km/h in different times. the M8 Convertible is the ‘slowest’ at 3.4 seconds, while the M8 Competition Convertible and the M8 Coupe take 3.3 seconds. The fastest is the M8 Competition Coupe, which does the century sprint in just 3.2 seconds.
Chassis and Suspension
Compared to the standard 8-Series, the M8 gets M-specific forged links on the rear axle, improved anti-roll bars, a new tower-to-bulkhead strut, a rigid shear panel with integrated side sill connection, a steel X-brace and an aluminium transverse strut.
Brakes
The M8 models can be specced with M carbon-ceramic brakes, but standard equipment includes an M-specific integrated braking system with 2 pedal feel settings.
Design
In terms of design, the M8 models get larger air intakes, double M bars on the front kidney grille, flared front wheel arches, M gills, aero-optimised wing mirrors, a rear spoiler and apron. M carbon exterior parts are available too.
The M8 Coupe models have a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof in a ‘double-bubble’ form. The M8 Convertible models can retract and close their fabric roofs in under 15 seconds even while mobile.
Inside, a new Setup button on the centre console enables direct access to the settings for the engine, dampers, steering, M xDrive and braking system. The overall vehicle configuration can then be called up at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
Another new feature is the M Mode button on the centre console, which the driver can use to adjust the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display.
M Performance Parts
BMW also released a whole bunch of M Performance Parts for the M8 Coupe and Convertible.
Read more about them from the press release below:
Exterior components made of carbon fibre for an even more striking appearance.
As a supplement to the optional Carbon Package, the M Performance carbon fibre exterior components round off the dynamic, elegant motor racing style of the new BMW M8. While the M Performance sill attachments give the vehicle additional length in visual terms, the M Performance carbon fibre radiator grille and M Performance carbon fibre side decorative grille guarantee a compelling front view. Developed specially for the BMW M8, these components with exposed carbon fibre finish are elaborately crafted by hand and mutually harmonised. Sealed with a clear finish and a high-gloss polish, they are UV and temperature-resistant as being car wash compatible. The same applies to the M Performance engine cover – an impressive premium racing-style eye-catcher when the bonnet is open.
Well-equipped to cope with the toughest conditions: M Performance sport brake pads.
Shorter braking distance, improved response, higher thermal resilience: the benefits of the M Performance sport brake pads are many and varied. Derived directly from the BMW Motorsport long-distance racing pads, the variants for the BMW M8 Coupé and Convertible enable more dynamic, racing-style steering when braking into a bend as compared to the standard configuration.
M Performance Pro steering wheel for a perfect grip on the action.
When it comes to being able to fully explore the striking talents of the new BMW M8 models in terms of driving dynamics at any time, a key factor is the M Performance Pro steering wheel with carbon fibre shift paddles and carbon fibre/Alcantara – carbon fibre/leather trim. Thanks to its impressively shaped Alcantara grip areas with large thumb rests and special underlay, it guarantees excellent grip therefore a direct steering feel. With their shift symbols in bold red, the carbon fibre shift paddles – also separately available for the standard steering wheel – emphasise the racing theme, as do the blue central marking on the M Performance Pro steering wheel and its seam in the hallmark M colours of blue, red and violet. The refined motor racing ambience can be perfectly rounded off with non-slip, easy-grip M Performance floor mats made of velvet velour with leather-style surround, M Performance inscription and a pennant in the typical M colours.
Excellent protection for the interim periods between driving experiences.
M Performance Parts even offers stylish and practical accessories for the preferably short periods in between individual trips in the fascinating BMW M8 models. The M Performance indoor car cover protects the vehicle from dirt and scratches once it has been parked in the garage, for example. The machine-washable cover made of elastic polyester and with soft, paint-friendly inner side fits perfectly over the body, highlighting various design features such as the kidney grille with printed badges and inscriptions, for example. Meanwhile, M Performance wheel bags are recommended when it comes to storing and transporting an additional set of wheels. They provide protection from soiling, ensure clear wheel allocation due to their respective markings and create a racing atmosphere in the garage at home with their hallmark M design.
