The new BMW M8 Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 10.6 – 10.5 l/100 km
(26.6 – 26.9 mpg imp); CO2 emissions combined:
242 – 238 g/km) and new BMW M8 Competition Coupe (fuel consumption
combined: 10.6 – 10.5 l/100 km (26.6 – 26.9 mpg imp); CO2
emissions combined: 242 – 238 g/km), plus the new BMW M8 Convertible
(fuel consumption combined: 10.8 – 10.6 l/100 km (26.2 – 26.6 mpg
imp); CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 241 g/km) and new
BMW M8 Competition Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 10.8 – 10.6
l/100 km (26.2 – 26.6 mpg imp); CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 241 g/km).
The new models draw the energy for their exceptional performance
exploits from the most powerful engine ever developed for a BMW M GmbH
car. The high-revving V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology
develops 441 kW/600 hp in the new BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8
Convertible, and 460 kW/625 hp in the Competition models. The
high-performance power unit teams up with an eight-speed M Steptronic
transmission with Drivelogic, and the engine’s power is channelled to
the road via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The model-specific chassis technology has been designed and tuned
with the specific demands of track use in mind. One of the features of
the chassis that stands out in particular is a newly developed
integrated braking system, an M-specific version of which presents the
driver with two different brake pedal feel settings. The new
range-topping models from BMW M GmbH will celebrate their world
premieres as part of the BMW Group #NextGen event taking place at BMW
Welt in Munich on 25 – 27 June 2019.
The precise interaction between powertrain, chassis technology and
aerodynamics has been carefully honed over the course of intensive
testing at the BMW Group’s test track in Miramas in southern France,
the winter testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden and the Nürburgring’s
Nordschleife circuit, along with other race circuits. Experience
collected from the development of the BMW M8 GTE racing car also
played a role in the configuration process. The performance-focused
character of the engine, transmission and chassis allows the new
BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8 Convertible to power from 0 to 100 km/h
(62 mph) in 3.3 / 3.4 seconds. The new BMW M8 Competition Coupe
sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, the new
BMW M8 Competition Convertible in 3.3 seconds.
Fast responses, a thirst for revs, and sustained power
delivery: V8 engine with signature M performance traits.
The high-revving V8 engine presents a compelling blend of razor-sharp
responses, a feverish appetite for revs and sustained power delivery
across an extraordinarily wide rev band. The M TwinPower Turbo
technology of the 4.4-litre unit includes a pair of turbochargers –
positioned in the “V” between the cylinder banks and boasting
optimised efficiency – and indirect charge air cooling, plus a direct
fuel injection system working with maximum pressure of 350 bar.
Another technological highlight is the cross-bank exhaust manifolds.
In the new BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8 Convertible, the engine serves
up peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm – and
goes on to deliver maximum output of 441 kW/600 hp at 6,000 rpm,
en route to the 7,200 rpm cut-off. The power unit in the Competition
models sustains its peak torque up to 5,800 rpm and develops maximum
output of 460 kW/625 hp at 6,000 rpm, its race-derived, high-revving
instincts taking an even more prominent lead. The most powerful
variant of the V8 teams up with a special engine mounting for a more
rigid connection with the vehicle structure. This results in even
crisper engine response and also has a positive effect on the
immediacy of turn-in and the transmission of engine noise into the cabin.
A sophisticated cooling system ensures optimum operating temperatures
at all times, both in everyday use on urban routes and when the cars
are stretching their legs on the track. The central cooling module,
for example, is flanked by two high-temperature water circuits. And
the system also features an additional engine oil cooler and separate
transmission oil cooler. The particular challenges of track driving
are reflected in the design of the oil supply system. The oil sump has
a smaller front chamber, which steps in when extra capacity is needed.
An additional suction stage allows the map-controlled oil pump to draw
lubricant from the smaller chamber. This ensures a reliable supply of
oil at all times, even under extreme lateral and longitudinal acceleration.
Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive.
Power transfer is via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with
Drivelogic. The Drivelogic button on the newly designed selector lever
allows the driver to select from three modes with specific shift
characteristics for particularly efficient, sporty or ultra-dynamic
driving. There are also M gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
Another factor in the enthralling performance of the new BMW M8
models is the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with its rear-biased
setup. The centrally controlled interaction between M xDrive and the
Active M Differential ensures loss-free transfer of the engine’s huge
power to the road. And via the Setup menu, the driver can choose
between the default 4WD setting and 4WD Sport mode, which diverts a
larger slice of engine power to the rear wheels. Deactivating DSC
(Dynamic Stability Control) brings 2WD mode into the equation. The
transfer of power exclusively to the rear wheels and absence
of stabilising inputs from the control systems add up to a driving
experience of singular purity for the experienced wheelman.
M-specific chassis with extremely rigid mounting.
The new BMW M8 models provide a fresh take on the characteristic
M feeling that translates into unbeatable directional stability even
in extremely dynamic situations, a linear build-up of transverse loads
however strong the lateral acceleration, and neutral steering
behaviour even at the limit. The chassis technology comprises
model-specific components and a setup fine-tuned in intensive testing
on race tracks. At the same time, the chassis also lives up to the
expectations of luxury car customers when it comes to everyday and
long-distance comfort.
The rear axle also incorporates purpose-designed components to meet
the exceptional handling dynamics required of high-performance sports
cars. The M-specific forged links are one of the factors in the
fleet-footed agility of the M8, while the precise responses of the
suspension and damping elements are partly down to the anti-roll bars’
improved rigidity. Handling properties are given a further boost by
the front end’s high torsional strength, which has been achieved with
a tower-to-bulkhead strut and a newly developed, exceptionally rigid
shear panel with integrated side sill connection. A steel X-brace and
an aluminium transverse strut are fitted for an even more stable
connection between the rear axle and the body.
The new BMW M8 models are also equipped as standard with M-specific
Adaptive suspension including electronically controlled dampers and
electromechanical M Servotronic steering. The DSC system hooks up
with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential
and also offers M Dynamic mode. This mode allows a greater degree of
wheel slip and combines with the M xDrive system’s rear-biased setup
to deliver an exceptionally sporty drive complete with controlled
drifts through corners. Standard specification also includes 20-inch
M light-alloy wheels in twin‑spoke design and high-performance tyres
(front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20).
Integrated braking system with configurable pedal feel.
As an alternative to the M compound brakes specified as standard, the
new BMW M8 can also be ordered with optional M carbon-ceramic brakes.
Both variants are fitted in conjunction with an M-specific version of
an integrated braking system. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology,
the brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions are
brought together within a compact module. The brake pressure required
is triggered by an electric actuator, which means it can be generated
more dynamically, pedal feel is optimised and the interventions from
the stability control system are significantly faster and more precise.
The version of the new braking system developed for BMW M models also
presents the driver with two pedal settings. The driver can choose
between a more comfort-oriented and a particularly direct,
instantaneous pedal feel.
Distinctive design as an expression of dynamism and exclusivity.
The exclusive aura of the new BMW M8 models is further enhanced by
model-specific features geared to the functional requirements of
high-performance sports cars. Large air intakes and the BMW kidney
grille with familiar M double bars at the front end, lavishly flared
front wheel arches, M gills in the front side panels, aerodynamically
optimised exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler and a rear apron with
diffuser elements in a contrasting colour create a fitting visual
showcase for the dynamic potential and exclusive status of the new M
contenders. An M Carbon exterior package is offered as an option.
Character-defining features of the new BMW M8 Coupe include the
double-bubble contour of its carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP)
roof, reminiscent of classic racing cars. Passengers in the new BMW
M8 Convertible are protected from the elements by a high-quality
fabric roof pulled taut over the cabin. The multi-layer soft-top opens
and closes in 15 seconds at the touch of a button, even while on the move.
Interior: signature M cockpit and luxurious ambience.
The interior of the new high-performance sports cars brings together
an M‑specific cockpit design and progressive luxury. Standard
specification for the BMW M8 Coupe, BMW M8 Convertible and Competition
models includes model-specific leather upholstery options, the BMW
Display Key, the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content, the
Driving Assistant, the Parking Assistant and the BMW Live Cockpit
Professional (with navigation system and BMW Intelligent Personal
Assistant). Additional driver assistance systems are available as
options to provide a further boost to comfort and safety.
The new Setup button on the centre console enables direct access to
the settings for the engine, dampers, steering, M xDrive and braking
system so they can be tailored to personal preferences and the
situation at hand. Two individually composed variants of this M setup
can be stored permanently with the driver’s preferred settings for the
engine sound, gearshift characteristics of the eight-speed
M Steptronic transmission, driving stability control and Auto Start
Stop function. 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 Mode allows
the driver to activate ROAD and SPORT settings, while the Competition
models also come with a TRACK setting designed exclusively for use on
race circuits. Changing the mode alters the information presented to
the driver on the screens, while the safety-enhancing interventions by
the driver assistance systems – such as active braking or steering
inputs – are reduced to a bare minimum or deactivated altogether.