The 2020
BMW M8 will be top dog within the M division, and brand even thinks
it'll be able to hunt down Porsche 911 Turbos.
Head of M, Markus Flasch, told Australian website Whichcar the
M8 is the M division's "ultimate performance machine," and it will
absolutely be the fastest BMW ever around the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Whether the M division is prepared to chase 'Ring records is unclear, but it's
highly unlikely the beefy coupe will dethrone the current 'Ring king: the Lamborghini
Aventador SVJ.
As for the 911 Turbo, we don't know what the rival German
brand has prepared for its next-generation model. The current 911 Turbo makes a
healthy 540 horsepower, while we expect the forthcoming car to make something
closer to 600 hp. The M8 makes 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of
torque, but the power figure climbs to 617 hp with the M8 Competition model.
Nevertheless, Flasch said test drivers have called the car a "Porsche
Turbo killer."
The M chief also underscored the M8 is not just an M5 with
two fewer doors. Instead, engineers designed the suspension and chassis for a
totally different experience. Further, the center of gravity is almost an inch
lower than the standard 8-Series, and drivers will plant themselves into a
lower position when stepping inside. That lower center of gravity would
certainly be important for taking on the 911 Turbo, which follows a different,
more sports car-oriented form factor with its smaller size and rear-engine
layout.
Perhaps the M division will push the M8 even faster with the
onset of electrification. Flasch noted the performance division is running
electrified prototype cars, including 48-volt systems, plug-in hybrids, and
battery-electric powertrains. As soon as the electrified technology is ready
for M, it'll arrive. We could see a 48-volt hybrid system augment M-division
cars with added torque, horsepower, and efficiency to start.
Flasch is the new kid on the block at M after taking over
duties from former
M boss Frank van Meel. Notably, in May Flasch didn't totally dismiss the
idea of an M supercar or hypercar down the road. So far, there hasn't been a
solid business case for one. However, he hinted
M and i could team up for a low-emissions hypercar in the future and
suggested cooperation is key to fulfill internal desires for an even higher
performer than the M8.
by Sean Szymkowski
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