The new BMW 8 Series Coupe: With maximum dynamics on the way to series production.

Munich. In the final stage of the series production
development process, the new BMW 8 Series Coupe is exhibiting the
entire spectrum of its dynamic handling potential. Current test drives
in Wales are fully dedicated to the final coordination of all drive
and suspension systems, the key focus being on the BMW M850i xDrive
Coupe, a car which embodies the performance characteristics of the new
luxury sports car in a particularly intensive manner. A completely
redeveloped V8 engine, state-of-the-art intelligent four-wheel drive
technology, an active rear axle differential lock, the adaptive
M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral
Active Steering form a perfectly harmonised package for fascinating
sportiness and supreme comfort.

The most striking features shared by the engine and suspension
include the broad spectrum of their characteristics. The
eight-cylinder power unit being featured for the first time in the BMW
M850i xDrive Coupe produces precisely the amount of torque and
sonorous sound ideally suited for relaxed cruising. On the other hand,
in the Sport or Sport+ mode of the driving experience control feature,
both power delivery and engine sound alike become noticeably more
dynamic. Likewise, the function of the electronically controlled
dampers, the stability control system DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
and the four-wheel drive system are precisely oriented to the selected
driving mode. The rear wheel-focused setup of the new BMW xDrive
system is perceptible in every driving mode, whilst particularly
ambitious drivers benefit from the active differential lock in the
rear axle transmission, which provides for maximum traction when
accelerating out of bends.

“The thing that always impresses when test driving the new BMW 8
Series Coupe is its adaptability,” says Markus Flasch, BMW 8 Series
Project Manager. “Whether a driver expresses his or her wishes with
regard to comfort and sportiness using the accelerator pedal or by
pressing a button, the vehicle immediately adapts perfectly to each setting.”

A low centre of gravity and high stiffness values for body and
suspension form the basis for the new BMW 8 Series Coupe’s highly
dynamic handling characteristics. In the case of the BMW M850i xDrive
Coupe, both agility and direct steering behaviour are additionally
assisted by standard Integral Active Steering and active roll
stability. Moreover, the electronically controlled dampers are able to
provide for maximum wheel stability at any time, so that contact with
the road is guaranteed even on short stretches of uneven surface.

“The new BMW 8 Series Coupe will be available exclusively with mixed
tyres. This gave us the possibility when coordinating the suspension
control systems to exploit the potential of the wide rear wheels to
attain particularly sporty handling characteristics,” comments Jos Van
As, head of Suspension Application. “Also, the higher camber values on
all wheels and specifically tuned elastokinematics result in the
realisation of exceptionally high cornering speeds prior to the
intervention of the electronics. So those who wish can drive on the
racing track with active DSC, too.”

As the embodiment of both supreme and sporty power delivery, the new
V8 power unit also contributes decisively towards the performance
characteristics of the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe. Whist having the same
weight as the predecessor engine, the new power unit mobilises an
output that has been increased by 50 kW/68 hp to 390 kW/530 hp.
Maximum torque has increased by 100 Nm to 750 Nm and is available at
1,800 rpm. The eight-cylinder engine delivers its power to an
extensively further developed 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission
characterised by expanded spread and further shortened shift times.

“The new V8 engine offers exactly the right balance between
performance and emotion, which is what also sets the new BMW 8 Series
Coupe apart,” says Christian Billig, head of Drive System Integration.
“Above all, the eight-cylinder harmonises perfectly with the further
developed Steptronic transmission during dynamic acceleration. At the
same time, the sound development of the sports exhaust system
authentically reflects the car’s power delivery. And thanks to
BMW xDrive and active rear axle locking, the engine always transfers
power precisely to where it can be best converted into driving dynamics.

With the test drives in Wales, developers are rounding off the
exceptionally diverse and intensive programme for the series
development of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe. Outside the racetrack and
cordoned-off proving grounds, prototypes of the new model are also
tested on public roads in order to obtain information on
customer-relevant characteristics in driving situations that are as
close to reality as possible. They form an ideal supplement to the
information gathered for instance during winter test drives in
Arjeplog in Sweden, on the BMW Group proving ground in Miramas in the
South of France, at the testing centre on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
or during initial racing circuit deployment. 

The BMW 8 Series Coupe will go on sale during the course of 2018. The
digit 8 in the model designation refers to the new model’s prominent
position within BMW’s product range. As was once the case with BMW Z8
and currently the BMW i8, it stands for highly emotional and
exceptionally sporty vehicles. Thus, the BMW 8 Series Coupe will
become a crucial component of the luxury segment model initiative laid
down by the BMW Group in its NUMBER ONE NEXT strategy.

*Due to the prototype vehicle status, technical details like fuel
consumption, CO2 emissions etc. will be communicated later this year.