BMW confirms M8 and M8 GTE as camouflaged 8 Series nears production
BMW has officially announced the high-performance M8 and track-focused M8 GTE, previewing both alongside a camouflaged 8 Series prototype as the new flagship nears production.
BMW has formally announced the M8 and M8 GTE, confirming that both high-performance variants are in development alongside the new 8 Series flagship. The company previewed the models with camouflaged prototypes, marking the return of the 8 Series to the BMW range after nearly two decades.
The M8, developed by BMW M GmbH, is intended as the performance flagship of the new 8 Series range. Official images show a heavily camouflaged coupe, but several details are visible: larger air intakes, blue-painted brake calipers, bigger wheels and quad exhaust tips. These features suggest the production M8 will follow established M division cues, building on the 8 Series platform with track-oriented upgrades.
Technical specifications for the M8 have not been released. BMW says the car will deliver increased dynamic sharpness, agility and precision over the standard 8 Series, but has not confirmed engine details or performance targets. The approach mirrors previous M models, such as the M6, which paired grand tourer proportions with high-output V8 or V10 engines.
M8 GTE to debut at Daytona 24 Hours
Alongside the road-going M8, BMW has confirmed the M8 GTE for international endurance racing. The company plans to debut the M8 GTE at the 2018 Daytona 24 Hours, positioning it as BMW’s new challenger for the Le Mans 24 Hours and other major GT events. No images of the M8 GTE have been released, but BMW Motorsport has stated that the car will be visually distinct and developed specifically for competition.
The M8 GTE will replace the outgoing M6 GTLM in BMW’s endurance racing programme. This move signals BMW’s intent to use the new 8 Series as both a road and motorsport flagship, following a strategy similar to rivals who have homologated their grand tourers for GT racing. The GTE programme is expected to generate engineering feedback for the road car, particularly in areas of aerodynamics and chassis development.
Camouflaged 8 Series previews production design
BMW’s camouflaged 8 Series prototype hints at a production model that closely follows the proportions and styling of the earlier 8 Series Concept. The coupe’s long bonnet, wide stance and low roofline are present, with details such as the front grille and lighting partially obscured. The company has not confirmed when the final production version will be revealed, but the presence of near-complete prototypes suggests a launch is imminent.
