2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe and Competition Mod

BMW and M GmbH are proud to announce the newest edition to the M8 family, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe Competition. The Gran Coupe rides on a chassis and body which is 9.1-inches longer, 1.4- inches wider, 2.3-inches taller and with an increased 7.9-inch wheelbase over the M8 Coupe, adding extra stability, comfort and rear interior space without affecting the car’s track-capable agility.

Interior space of the BMW M8 Gran Coupe benefits greatly over that of that of the Coupe with rear shoulder room increasing by 7.7-inches, rear legroom increasing by 7.1-inches and rear headroom increasing by 3.5- inches. The greater interior dimensions mean only a modest 185-pound increase in curb weight.

This means that the uncompromised near-supercar levels of performance and luxury can be more easily shared with family and friends.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe First Edition

The M8 Gran Coupe First Edition, available with 50 units for the U.S. market, will usher in the arrival of the M8 Gran Coupe and Competition models. Based on the Competition model, the First Edition cars will be finished in Individual Diamant Green Metallic, a color exclusive to this limited edition model. The BMW Kidney grille, side air breather trim, door mirror and window- surround trim, exterior badging and door sill plates are finished in GOLDBRONZE, mirroring the M8 Gran Coupe Concept vehicle.

• The interior is finished in BMW Individual Ivory White/Tartufo Full Merino leather and features Individual Piano Black trim with a “First Edition 1/400” on the center console door.
• Exclusive 20-inch Forged M Star-Spoke wheels finished in GOLDBRONZE help set the First Edition cars apart.
• Production for the limited U.S. M8 Gran Coupe First Edition cars to begin in March 2020.

M Power and Performance

The high-revving (7,200 rpm redline) 4.4 liter S63 M TwinPower Turbo V8 produces 600 hp
@ 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 – 5,600 rpm in the M8 Gran Coupe while the M8 Competition models feature an uprated power unit producing 617 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 553 lb- ft @ 1,800 – 5,860 rpm.

The engine features two-turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, direct injection and upgraded cooling and oil supply. The turbochargers are positioned within the V of the engine block to help improve thermal efficiency and response. The cross-bank exhaust manifolds improve turbocharger and throttle response by reducing the distance the exhaust gases need to flow to reach the turbochargers. The direct fuel injection operates at a very high 5,076 psi ensuring ultra-fine fuel atomization for improved power and efficiency. Water-to-air intercooling helps reduce the temperature of the incoming air charge for improved power.

The advanced cooling system is composed of two separate water circuits, one for the intercoolers and one for the engine and turbochargers. An electric cooling pump ensures that the turbochargers receive sufficient coolant flow even after the engine has been turned off. An additional engine oil cooler and transmission oil cooler ensure the new BMW M8 Gran Coupe is capable of standing up to the higher thermal demands of track driving. The oil supply system has been upgraded with a secondary front chamber in the oil pan which is accessed by a map- controlled oil suction pump to insure effective oil supply during extreme lateral and longitudinal forces.

The Competition model features unique tuning

The Competition model features unique tuning which not only produces more horsepower but also increases the torque band at by 260 rpm. The engine mounts on these models are more rigid compared to the BMW M8 Gran Coupe for improved power transmission throughout the driveline and for more immediate turn-in during cornering. The Competition models are also equipped with the M Sport exhaust which enhances the sound emanating from the two twin- 100 mm exhaust tips even further beyond the sound of the M8. An M Sound Control button in the center console allows the driver to select the exhaust note which suits their desire.

The wide and flat torque curve of the S63 allows the BMW M8 Gran Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and the M8 Gran Coupe Competition to accomplish the sprint in just 3.0 seconds.

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe models have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph which can be increased to 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. Besides the increased top speed, the M Driver’s Package also includes an invitation to M School driver training at one of the two BMW Performance Center driving schools, either in Greer, SC or Thermal, CA.

M Eight-speed Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic

An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission transfers the BMW M8 Gran Coupes’ power and torque to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The transmission is operated via the new center console-mounted gear selector lever or with the M shift paddles on the steering wheel. Both automatic and manual modes are available. The Drivelogic button allows the driver to select the comfort and speed of gear shifts from comfort-oriented to sport and track focused shifting.

The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission’s controller is able to adapt the shift parameters to the current driving situation by means of intelligent networking with the standard Navigation system, enabling it to take the planned route into account. Navigation data is used to downshift early, for example, when approaching an intersection in order to use engine braking to slow the car down. Likewise, the intelligent controller is able to avoid unnecessary gear shifts between two corners that follow in quick succession, making it possible to drive through at a quicker pace.

M xDrive all-wheel drive and Active M differential

The M xDrive intelligent rear-biased all-wheel drive system makes the most use of the BMW M8 Gran Coupes’ power and torque to increase performance to near-supercar levels.

The engine’s torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels via the transfer case’s electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch before the Active M locking differential handles power distribution in the rear axle.

The rear biased system only sends torque to the front wheels when extra traction is required. This provides the BMW M8 Gran Coupe and Gran Coupe Competition driver with both a traditional rear-wheel drive driving experience and with the added traction of all four wheels when the engine’s full power output is required. The M xDrive system’s added traction also reduces the need for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system to intrude, reducing power losses.

The M xDrive system allows the driver to tailor their driving experience via several available modes. The default 4WD mode focuses on providing maximum traction and controlled handling. 4WD Sport sharpens the M8’s response and agility further while sending more power to the rear wheels during dynamic driving. Deactivating DSC allows for 2WD mode which activates a unique rear-wheel drive only mode for experienced drivers.

Exterior / Interior design

The new BMW M8 Gran Coupe offers a stunning and powerful sweeping four-door body with wide flanks and sharp creased modern lines. Its rear track of 65.4 inches is 1.5 inches wider than that of the M8 Coupe.

From the a-pillar back, the M8 Gran Coupe design differs from that of the M8 Coupe to both increase interior space and deliver a vehicle with strong presence and authority. The windshield features less rake than in the Coupe to allow the roofline to raise to a higher point above the front seats, providing increased headroom for both front and rear passengers. The roof then merges into the rear trunk lid with fin-like transitional lines to create the visual of a long and flowing body. The rear glass is mounted with increased rake to increase the size of the trunk opening and also acts to from a fixed part of the body’s structure to increase torsional rigidity and reduce noise entering the cabin. The subtle flying buttress design of the rear glass surround requires that the finishing folds of the metalwork be done by hand, a unique feature of the M8 Gran Coupe that allows for a truly elegant design to be delivered to each and every owner.

From the a-pillar back, the M8 Gran Coupe design differs from that of the M8 Coupe

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe’s blend of track-capable performance and exclusive luxury can be enjoyed from all five available seats. M-Specific displays for the instrument cluster and Head-Up display give the driver all the tools necessary to extend the enjoyment of driving the M8 Gran Coupe while 3D quilting of the seating surfaces provides a touch of luxury for all passengers.

The extended center console in the M8 Gran Coupe is unique to the four-door 8 Series models and continues from the front cabin into the rear space, dividing the individually-styled right and left seats while still allowing for the rear center seat space to be used when needed. The rear console offers passengers individual right and left climate controls, air vents, storage tray and USB-C ports.

Perhaps a 2-door BMW Gran Coupe is more your speed

posted by: John Grafman