Finally, the legendary BMW M8 nameplate will make its way to a production model. BMWBlog announced the good news earlier this week.
Originally, the designation was only meant to be used on a stillborn V12-powered M Version of the 8 series. It was an M8 prototype powered by a 5.0-liter V12 with 550 horsepower coupled with a six-speed manual. However, the idea was rejected after a lukewarm response to the base car.
According to reports, the new BMW M8 will most likely be a next-generation M6. Why? Mostly because the 6 Series coupe, the convertible and the Gran Coupe models are set to move to the 8 Series.
This move will help the 6 Series become larger and of course, more luxurious. The M version is set to follow suit. Sources close to the publication reported that the car will go on sale in 2019.
According to a report by Carbuzz, the BMW M8 will include three different models: a coupe, a convertible, and a gran coupe. BMW Blog also stated that the M8 Coupe will be the one debuting first in 2019.
The Coupe will be followed by the convertible and the gran coupe a year after. The reborn M8 is said to pack a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine under the hood.
It can produce up to 600 horsepower. The engine will possibly be paired with an eight-speed automatic instead of a dual-clutch, BMW Blog believes.
There is a couple of reason behind this change in transmission. First, the dual-clutch setup isn't really ideal for an all-wheel drive (which will definitely be an option alongside the standard rear-wheel drive).
The second reason would be because the twin-turbo V8's 516 pound-feet of torque will be too much for the dual-clutch to handle. If everything goes smoothly as planned, the BMW M8 prototypes should be gracing fans with its presence early next year.
Keep checking back to Auto World News for the latest BMW M8 updates. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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