MUNICH: BMW has been talking up the 8 Series model in recent days. It started with the standard coupe, followed by the revelation the 8 Series convertible has begun production.
Today, it declared that the sportiest 8 Series - the M8 - is on the way to series production and will launch in 2019.
At present, BMW M GmbH is putting an early prototype of its upcoming flagship through its paces at the Estoril grand-prix racing circuit in Portugal.
The M8 is touted as a performance-oriented vehicle concept with minimised weight, low centre of gravity, even weight distribution, optimum wheelbase and wide tracks.
M-specific optimisations will enhance already high levels of rigidity in the body structure, chassis components and chassis mounting. Expect M-specific suspension to deliver exceptional directional stability, steering precision and cornering dynamics.
The car will be equipped with a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that produces over 600hp. There will be fully variable transfer of power via M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel bias and 2WD mode.
Apart from the M8 Coupe, BMW will slice and dice up an M8 Convertible and M8 Gran Coupe after that.