The first-generation BMW 8 Series (E31) could have ended up with an M8 variant that was supposed to be powered by a naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 engine which adapted version was used for the iconic McLaren F1. This unit was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, and it produced 550 horsepower that were delivered to the rear wheels. Even though the prototype was assembled, the German manufacturer was afraid that there wouldn’t have been a suitable market for this kind of vehicle, which was meant to be a Ferrari’s rival.
BMW is ready, after almost two decades, to bring back the M8 and actually launch it. The marvelous 8 Series concept has just been revealed, and the company has already announced the M8 production version. Everyone is excited about this vehicle arriving, and a member of the Bimmer Post forums took the official concept photo and created a rendering which looks really good and realistic.
Of course, the rendering artist got rid of the bulky kidney grille and replaced it with a familiar setup in black color and with the M8 logo on it. Also, the conventional headlights will be used instead of those narrow units.
In addition, the front and side intakes are more realistic on the rendering, while the artist devoted a lot of attention to putting the traditional door handles and larger side mirrors. The wheels remained the same as the ones on the concept but those are black now, and they really stand out.
According to BMW, the company is developing the new 2018 M8 alongside the regular 8 Series, but they also plan to launch an M8 GTE race car. The M8 GTE is supposed to be introduced in January next year at the Daytona 24 Hours, while the regular BMW 8 Series will arrive later in 2018, leaving the M8 version which will be the only model to be unveiled in 2019.
