F92 BMW M8 Coupe preliminary details – V8, 591 hp, M xDrive AWD; Convertible and Gran Coupe models later

More details of the upcoming F92 BMW M8 Coupe have been released ahead of the model’s official debut and market launch, the latter in 2019.

Keeping things as vague as possible, BMW says the M8 Coupe will be powered by a high-revving V8 with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The exact engine capacity is unknown but we are told that the mill makes 600 PS (591 hp), and will be paired with a fully variable, rear-biased M xDrive all wheel-drive system that can send drive exclusively to the rear wheels in 2WD mode.

This setup sounds pretty identical to what you’ll find in the latest F90 M5, which packs a S63B44T4 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 600 PS from 5,600 to 6,700 rpm and 750 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. In the M8 (and M5 as well), the transmission is an eight-speed M Steptronic torque converter automatic gearbox, with a locking Active M Differential.

Unsurprisingly, the M8 get its own specific chassis tuning, which includes a reworking of the double-wishbone front/five-link rear suspension. There’s also a wider front track, while the rear gets bespoke toe links with stiffer rubber mounts, firmer anti-roll bars and more rigid wishbones; electronically controlled dampers are standard.

The electromechanical M Servotronic steering is lifted from the M5, although tuned specifically for use in the M8. A selection of driving modes for the powertrain, transmission, suspension and steering will be available as well, allowing the driver to personalise his or her driving experience, which again, is similar to the M5.

Stopping power comes in the form of standard M compound brakes, with the front featuring 395 mm discs and six-piston fixed calipers, while 380 mm discs and single-piston floating calipers are used at the rear. An option here are M carbon-ceramic brakes, which bumps the size of the front discs up to 400 mm as well. The brakes sit behind 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, or an optional 20-inch set.

Finally, there’s the complete M makeover to distinguish the M8 from a run-of-the-mill 8 Series, including dedicated body components, badging, twin tailpipes and aerodynamic-focused features. The M8 Coupe will also be offered in Convertible (F91) and Gran Coupe (F93) guises later on, although timelines for either models have yet to be provided.

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