MUNICH: Following the recent presentation of the BMW Concept 8 Series, the German carmaker has released a close-to-production glimpse at the design of its new luxury segment sports car.

According to the company, the prototype is currently undergoing intensive testing on a high-speed proving ground in Aprilia, Italy.

The tests serve, in particular, to optimise the vehicle’s driving dynamics on surfaces with a high friction coefficient and mark yet a further decisive stage on the way to the launch of the new BMW 8 Coupe this year.

The test drives are being carried out while the prototype is heavily camouflaged as it laps the 4km oval circuit that includes steep bends.

Moreover, the acceleration, braking and steering behaviour of the new sports car are analysed on circuits, slalom courses and different road surfaces.

The test programme facilitates the targeted harmonisation of all drive and suspension systems so that it can offer maximum agility, precision and comfort.


“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,” said BMW AG member of the board of development and research Klaus Fröhlich currently overseeing the test programme in Italy.

The high vehicle dynamics potential results from an extraordinary close connection between motorsports and series production.

The new BMW 8 Series Coupe is being developed parallel to and in close coordination with the BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE racing car.

Whilst the prototype of the production model is undergoing endurance tests, the teams, which are supported by BMW Motorsport, are currently preparing in Daytona (USA) for the initial racetrack use of the BMW M8 GTE.

On Jan 27 and 28, the BMW M8 GTE will make its racing debut at the Daytona 24-hour race.

In June 2018, it will then participate in the 24-hour race at Le Mans.

The knowledge gained there and at numerous other racing events in the FIA WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) in North America will directly benefit series development of the BMW 8 Series Coupe.

Likewise, the know-how gained during training and on the racetrack will advance development of the new BMW M8.

In June 2017, a prototype of this new model from the BMW M GmbH was already presented during the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring.

The Nordschleife (North Loop) of the legendary racing circuit is also the main proving ground for testing and further enhancing the new BMW M8.

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