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2019 BMW M8 Competition unveiled

 BMW has finally unveiled its new performance flagships, the 2019 M8 and M8 Competition, in both coupe and convertible guise.


The new two-door, dubbed a Porsche Turbo killer by BMW M boss Markus Flasch, is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 making 441kW at 6000rpm and 750Nm between 1800rpm and 5600rpm, good for a 100km/h sprint time of just 3.3 seconds (3.4 for the convertible).

Jumping from the M8 to the M8 Competition boosts peak power to 460kW, and slashes 0.1 seconds from the 100km/h sprint time. More is always better, right?

Regardless of model, power is put to all four wheels through a switchable M xDrive all-wheel drive system. It can be flicked through default, rear-biased all-wheel drive, a slightly looser all-wheel drive setup and rear-wheel drive only 'drift mode'.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, with the usual array of options for shift intensity based on drive mode. While we're talking configuration, BMW has fitted the M8 with its first-ever adaptive braking system, which allows drivers to make the pedal firmer or softer on demand.

There's more to the M8 than a bunch of electric systems, though. BMW says a brace of extra, erm, braces makes the M8 meaningfully stiffer than the M5 with which it shares a powertrain, and the car has a centre of gravity 24mm lower than its big sedan brother. It'll be the quickest M car around the Nordschleife, too.

Adaptive suspension is standard across the range, along with an active M differential on the rear axle. The car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 275/30 front and 285/35 rear tyres as standard, but we'd wager bigger rolling stock is on the options list.

As for the styling? It's as if the M850i has been on boot camp, with pumped-up air intakes and more aggressive detailing all around. The Competition has benefitted most from the makeover, with carbon-fibre add-ons for the boot, flanks, bumpers and grille making it look properly purposeful.

Inside, BMW M has taken the regular 8 Series and cranked up the luxury, with quilted bucket seats, more carbon-fibre trim, and a smattering of M badges. There are unique displays for the digital instruments, too, designed to simplify things when the car is flicked into its raciest modes.

Australia

We've contacted BMW Australia to ascertain timing for the M8's arrival. We'd suggest it's likely to come only in Competition form, based on form with the M5.

 

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