One of the most anticipated performance cars of this year is finally here. Meet the BMW M8, the first ever 8 Series car to receive the “M” treatment in the history of the Bavarian automaker. Since the original 8 Series from the 1990s, it’s for the first time BMW has built an M8 and we couldn’t be more excited. Under the long, sculpted hood of the M8 is the familiar twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 which is also found in the new BMW M5. In fact, the engine is in the same state of tune, which means it produces 600 horsepower and 553 ft-lb of torque. The engine is coupled with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission that transfers the power to all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system. BMW claims that the M8 coupe will hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 155mph. The optional M Driver’s Package can take the top speed to 190mph. The convertible version, on the other hand, is one-tenth of a second slower than the coupe sibling.
BMW also has a more powerful Competition variant that sits as the flagship model. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 in this variant produces 617 horsepower, which helps the GT car accelerate from zero to 60mph in 3 seconds flat. In terms of looks, the BMW M8 has subtle design elements that differentiate it from the standard 8 Series models, which include carbon fiber mirrors and spoiler along with gloss-black trim and badges. The high-performance GT also gets a double-bubble carbon fiber roof. The BMW M8 will make its public debut at Bavarian automaker’s #NextGen event in Munich at the end of June and will go on sale at the beginning of September. Pricing starts at $133,000 for the coupe version, while the convertible carries a price-tag of $142,500. Competition models start at $146,00 and $155,500, plus $995 in destination charges.
[Via:Autoblog]
