In a recent interview with an Australian automotive news media outlet, BMW M boss Markus Flasch explained that the M8 is a supercar, one that is capable of a faster Nurburgring lap time than any other BMW, ever. Flasch went on to summarize the M8 as a, “Porsche Turbo killer,” and stressed that the performance range-topping coupe and convertible are distinctly different from the M5 with which the same S63B44T4 V8 and M xDrive system are shared.
More specifically, this means that the M8 will be faster than the M5 Competition, the fastest currently-available BMW model, which is capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph well within the two-second range. The M5 Competition can lap the Nurburgring in 7:35.9 according to a recent test, while the M4 GTS, a more track-oriented model, covered the circuit in an even more impressive 7:27.88. The M8, which weighs less than the M5, still tips the scales at over 1,000 pounds heavier than the stripped and caged M4 GTS, which can essentially be considered purpose-built for competitive environments. With all of the facts together, Flasch is promising the M8 to be some kind of special weapon on track, all while being able to maintain some of the highest levels of luxury on the street—something the M4 GTS makes no attempt at.
When it comes to the character of the M8 being distinctly different from that of the M5, even though the M8 will soon be available in four-door Gran Coupe form, Flasch specifically cites a center of gravity for the F92 that is 24 millimeters lower than the F90. Dropping the CG nearly an inch may seem small on paper, but the importance of such a difference, among others that most certainly accompany it over the M5, will likely amount to a substantial performance advantage where it counts. In other words, BMW is aware of the fascination that accompanies the digit eight in the company’s universe, and need not be reminded of how important it is to separate the M8 from the rest of the lineup.
If you’re in need of further convincing, check out this list by CarThrottle, in which the M8 Competition’s factory acceleration time of 3.2 seconds is compared to some of the most powerful alternatives out there today. Keep in mind that the brief rundown specifically goes by manufacturer-published performance measurements, as opposed to real-world testing, which often reveals a different story. It’s likely that many of the other cars on the list, specifically those with all-wheel drive, are faster than stated, but so too is the M8. While the conventional M5 has a stated zero-to-60 time of 3.2 seconds, Car and Driver clocked the F90 at an incredible 2.8 seconds, and the M5 Competition is even faster.
The M8, which weighs less and likely handles better than M5, has a lot going for it, and is nothing short of the BMW performance thoroughbred we’ve been waiting for. We can’t wait for the official reveal of the M8 Gran Coupe.—Alex Tock
[Photos courtesy BMW AG.]
