BMW has officially unveiled the M8 GTE race car this week, ending a long period of anticipation. Engineered with the automaker’s premier motorsport technology and built upon years of endurance racing experience, the M8 GTE is poised to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2018, marking BMW’s return to the circuit after a seven-year hiatus. And it certainly boasts an eye-catching design.
The M8 GTE is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers over 500 horsepower. It shares parts such as the cylinder block and head with its street-legal counterpart. This robust performance is well-suited for its lightweight frame, tipping the scales at just 2,690 pounds, which positions it favorably against established rivals in the GTE Pro category, including last year’s champion, Aston Martin. The car achieves this featherweight status through advanced construction techniques utilizing carbon fiber reinforced polymer components, showcasing a host of modern features.
In its development, BMW leveraged artificial intelligence to enhance systems like traction control, minimizing human error and ensuring optimal performance during the challenging wet conditions of the WEC races. Moreover, 3D printing technologies played a crucial role in the M8 GTE’s creation, allowing for extensive testing before even entering the wind tunnel. With its rich history in endurance racing, the team is looking forward to a strong return to Le Mans.
Having witnessed the M8 GTE in action at the Lausitzring, BMW has given fans a glimpse of what to expect, and it appears that the final product may exceed expectations.
There is hope that this striking design will influence the new flagship 8-Series road car. If it does, BMW could finally live up to the legacy of the stunning 850CSi of the past. The M8 GTE offers a strong indication of what the production model might look like, and if it mirrors the race car, we can anticipate that many affluent buyers may switch from AMG vehicles to BMW..
