Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs are certain to get a large amount of attention at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month but there will still be some high-performance combustion engine-powered models to drool over too. One that's sure to get cameras clicking is a concept version of the M8 that BMW is set to unveil at the show.
The news about this car making its debut in Geneva comes from the authoritative BMW Blog website, and it seems this M8 will be different to the coupe that's already been previewed recently, which suggests it could be a convertible.
At the moment, BMW is remaining tight-lipped about the prospect, but the UK's Autocar publication has been led to believe the unveiling at the show will foreshadow the launch in the summer of the much-anticipated production 8 Series. It's expected the 8 Series will be in dealerships and on the road in November of this year, with the performance M version following sometime in 2019.
There's already been a racing version of the M8 competing at the Daytona 24 Hours this year, and the retail M8 will sit in the BMW range above the regular 8 Series and be powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing somewhere in the region of 600 bhp.
Speaking about the new models, the M division's president Frank van Meel said, "The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel. The future BMW M8 will build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added trackability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision and agility. It all flows into a driving experience that bears the familiar BMW M hallmarks and satisfies our customers' most exacting requirements."
Although the regular 8 Series will boast impressive performance and a price to match, the M8 will carry an even heavier premium over the standard models. Those wanting to own one when they're eventually available will therefore have to expect a starting price higher than even the i8 hybrid supercar. As the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe costs from around £131,000 or US$169,000, it's almost certain the M8 will have a price that's competitive with its competitor from Stuttgart.
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