Last weekend, BMW gave us a glimpse of the forthcoming rebirth of its grand tourer in the guise of the new 8 Series. We also learned that the car would be based on the latest-generation F90 5 Series, which itself is prepping for an all-new M5. So it would be logical to assume that BMW’s M GmbH would soon be getting its hands on the 8er and tweaking a lot more performance into it.
Well, that day has arrived. Or a sneak peek, at least. BMW M has just revealed a heavily camouflaged M8 at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hour support race. Although covered up, the 8 Series’s coupe proportions are definitely obvious. Apart from this, large air intakes in true M fashion are seen up front, as well as a discreet rear spoiler and of course, quad tailpipes to ca things off.
The car, which led the parade of M cars at the Ring is most likely riding on a more dynamic suspension, and could very well be packing the new M xDrive all-wheel drive system that will be seen in the upcoming M5. This system is notable for allowing the car to be driven in either rear- or all-wheel drive. And yes, it would most likely be powered by the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that packs more power than its current iteration.
In line with this, BMW M is also developing the M8 GTE, a race-spec version that will spearhead its return to Le Mans. The race car, just like the M8, could see daylight in 2018.
