Only last week, BMW unveiled its 8 Series concept at Italy's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este car show, but this hasn't stopped the German manufacturer from giving us a sneak preview of the hardcore version of the new Grand Tourer.
The company revealed the heavily camouflaged M8, which has the slogans "too many secrets" and "M8" written across its flanks, at the 12.9-mile Nurburgring racing circuit where the car has been spied testing over the past few months.
Little is known about the performance or powertrain of the M8, but sources told AutoExpress that it could be powered by a 600bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
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This engine also appears in the M6 coupe and M5 saloon, although the former produces around 50bhp less than the rumoured powertrain in the M8.
Frank van Meel, head of BMW's M division, says that "conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel", while a racing version of the new Grand Tourer is expected to arrive next year.
He adds: "The future BMW M8 will build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision and agility".
There's no word on pricing but AutoExpress says it could rival the Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe, which suggests a price north of £130,000.
The 8 Series and M8 are expected to make their production-ready debut at the Frankfurt motor show, which runs from 14 to 24 September.
BMW 8 Series concept breaks cover
26 May
BMW has taken the wraps off its 8 Series concept car ahead of its public debut at Italy's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este this weekend.
It teased its new coupe earlier this month, following several sightings of highly camouflaged test mules at the 12.9-mile Nurburgring race track, but the concept is the first indication of how the production model may look.
Its side profile and proportions "are classic Grand Tourer", says Evo, and "bold character lines along its chiselled flanks" distinguishes it from the rest of the firm's line-up of coupes.
The front end features a new iteration of BMW's kidney-style grille, while the rear is home to the taillights similar to the company's i8 hybrid and "irregularly shaped tailpipes".
Inside, the new 8 Series is fitted with a large centre console that "pours downwards", says AutoExpress. Drivers sit in "slim sports seats" and lashings of carbon fibre add to the sporty look.
BMW says the 8 Series concept is a "design study" at the moment, so there's no word on what engines or transmissions options will be available.
However, Autocar reports that "recent trademark applications" suggest the company will offer an entry-level 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine, as well as a 4.4-litre V8 with the company's xDrive all-wheel drive system.
The new 8 Series may also get the same 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine found in the M760Li xDrive saloon, says the magazine. A petrol-electric 840e plug-in hybrid is "also under consideration".
The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este car show runs from 26 to 28 May in Cernobbio, Italy.
BMW to resurrect 8-Series coupe moniker
12 May
BMW will resurrect the 8-Series coupe moniker next year after an absence of nearly two decades.
The German car giant confirmed plans to reboot its flagship coupe at its annual group meeting yesterday following several spy shots of a low BMW sports car testing at the Nurburgring.
Chief executive Harald Krueger said: "The 8-series coupe will debut next year and I can assure you it will be a genuine sports coupe. We reinforcing our claim to leadership in the luxury class."
He added: "We are refreshing our entire portfolio and strengthening our performance side. Our strategy will focus on the luxury segment, where there are high margins to be earned."
The new 8-Series, which will take over as BMW's flagship coupe from the 6-Series, will use "driveline components" from the sixth-generation 7-Series saloon, says Autocar.
It is expected to be built at the Dingolfing plant in Germany "from 2018".
A concept of the new 8-Series will debut at Italy's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este between 26-28 May, adds Autocar, with a production model set to appear at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
It's expected that the 8-Series will rival the likes of the Mercedes S-Class coupe and the Bentley Continental GT, while AutoExpress says "a flagship M8 version could be on the cards."
The original 8-Series launched in 1989 and sat at the top of the BMW line-up until production ended in 1999. Buyers had the choice of a selection of V8 and V12 engines, with range-topping 850CSi models capable of delivering 370bhp.
Performance details and pricing for the new luxury coupe are expected to be announced when the concept makes its public debut at the end of May.
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