BMW M8 GTE

THE BMW M8 GTE.

The GT flagship.

THE BMW M8 GTE.

The GT flagship.

The BMW M8 GTE was the first BMW M Motorsport race car to be in action before its production counterpart. In January 2018, the GT sports car contested its first race at the 24 Hours of Daytona. The big moment of truth for the BMW 8 Series Coupé came just a few months later at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That was where the new BMW sports car for the luxury sector made its world debut. Working closely with their colleagues at BMW M GmbH, the BMW M Motorsport engineers opted to use the BMW S63T4 as the base engine for the BMW M8 GTE; this is a V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which was first used in the new BMW M5. The close connection between production and motor racing was one of the premises in the development of the BMW M8 GTE. The knowledge gained during race outings with the new car was incorporated directly in production development. The BMW M8 GTE won two races in the IMSA series in its debut season. The greatest success to date followed in 2019, when Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Philipp Eng and Colton Herta took victory in the GTLM class at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

THE BMW M8 GTE.The GT flagship.

The BMW M8 GTE was the first BMW M Motorsport race car to be in action before its production counterpart. In January 2018, the GT sports car contested its first race at the 24 Hours of Daytona. The big moment of truth for the BMW 8 Series Coupé came just a few months later at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That was where the new BMW sports car for the luxury sector made its world debut. Working closely with their colleagues at BMW M GmbH, the BMW M Motorsport engineers opted to use the BMW S63T4 as the base engine for the BMW M8 GTE; this is a V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which was first used in the new BMW M5. The close connection between production and motor racing was one of the premises in the development of the BMW M8 GTE. The knowledge gained during race outings with the new car was incorporated directly in production development. The BMW M8 GTE won two races in the IMSA series in its debut season. The greatest success to date followed in 2019, when Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Philipp Eng and Colton Herta took victory in the GTLM class at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

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„ It’s the most elemental, determined race car we have ever built. “
Michael Scully, Head of Design BMW Motorsport

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BMW M8 GTE.

BMW M8 GTE
BMW M8 GTE

ENGINE.

The V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which is restricted to a capacity of 4.0 litres in accordance with regulations, has a nominal base performance of over 500 hp, depending upon the classification. The cylinder block and cylinder head were adopted from the production engine. Development focussed on achieving the greatest possible efficiency and maximum endurance. The powerful production motor provides the perfect basis for all that. Transmission on the BMW M8 GTE takes place via a six-speed sequential racing gearbox.

Light of the BMW M8 GTE

LIGHT.

The BMW M8 GTE features the latest LED technology. This not only guarantees a particularly high range at night, but also ensures that the entire width of the track is extremely well lit. Additional headlamps – again with LED technology – also illuminate the entry points of corners. The high-performance headlamps were made by special design specialists GERG Lighthouse. The LEDs for this high-performance lighting system are from Osram.

Rear wing of the BMW M8 GTE

REAR WING.

One result of the intensive aero development is the innovative “Swan Neck” rear wing. The shape allows a particularly clean airflow on the critical underside of the rear wing, thus increasing efficiency. In addition, the sloping roof line adopted from the BMW 8 Series Coupé facilitates the airflow to the rear wing.

Wheels of the BMW M8 GTE

WHEELS.

BMW aero rims, 12.5 x 18 inch on the front axle and 13 x 18 inch on the rear axle, are used. They are the result of the innovative aero development, on which BMW M Motorsport engineers are able to call.

BMW M8 GTE

CHASSIS.

The BMW M8 GTE has double wishbones on the front and rear axle, each with four-way adjustable shock absorbers. The anti-roll bars have a quick adjustment mechanism.

BMW M8 GTE

BODY.

The composite body is equipped with carbon core and a DMSB-approved safety roll cage. The extensive use of ultra-light CFRP components has led to significant weight reductions.

  • 1. ENGINE.
    BMW M8 GTE

    The V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which is restricted to a capacity of 4.0 litres in accordance with regulations, has a nominal base performance of over 500 hp, depending upon the classification. The cylinder block and cylinder head were adopted from the production engine. Development focussed on achieving the greatest possible efficiency and maximum endurance. The powerful production motor provides the perfect basis for all that. Transmission on the BMW M8 GTE takes place via a six-speed sequential racing gearbox.

  • 2. LIGHT.
    Light of the BMW M8 GTE

    The BMW M8 GTE features the latest LED technology. This not only guarantees a particularly high range at night, but also ensures that the entire width of the track is extremely well lit. Additional headlamps – again with LED technology – also illuminate the entry points of corners. The high-performance headlamps were made by special design specialists GERG Lighthouse. The LEDs for this high-performance lighting system are from Osram.

  • 3. REAR WING.
    Rear wing of the BMW M8 GTE

    One result of the intensive aero development is the innovative “Swan Neck” rear wing. The shape allows a particularly clean airflow on the critical underside of the rear wing, thus increasing efficiency. In addition, the sloping roof line adopted from the BMW 8 Series Coupé facilitates the airflow to the rear wing.

  • 4. WHEELS.
    Wheels of the BMW M8 GTE

    BMW aero rims, 12.5 x 18 inch on the front axle and 13 x 18 inch on the rear axle, are used. They are the result of the innovative aero development, on which BMW M Motorsport engineers are able to call.

  • 5. CHASSIS.
    BMW M8 GTE

    The BMW M8 GTE has double wishbones on the front and rear axle, each with four-way adjustable shock absorbers. The anti-roll bars have a quick adjustment mechanism.

  • 6. BODY.
    BMW M8 GTE

    The composite body is equipped with carbon core and a DMSB-approved safety roll cage. The extensive use of ultra-light CFRP components has led to significant weight reductions.

TECHNICAL DATA OF THE BMW M8 GTE.

  • Dimensions.

    Length:

    4,998 mm (without rear wing)

    Width:

    2,234.8 mm (including mirrors)

    Height:

    1,212 mm (variable)

    Wheelbase:

    2,880 mm
  • Engine.

    Model:

    V8 engine with BMW TwinPowerTurbo Technology

    Capacity:

    3,981 cc

    Number of cylinders:

    8

    V-angle:

    90°

    Bore:

    89 mm

    Stroke:

    80 mm

    Engine speed:

    approx. 7,000 rpm

    Output:

    500 to over 600 hp (depending on requirements of racing authorities)

    Cylinder spacing:

    98 mm
  • Body.
    • Composite body with carbon coreand FIA approved safety roll cage
    • CFRP outer shell with quick-change concept
  • Chassis.
    • Double wishbones on front and rear axle
    • Four-way adjustable shock absorbers at front and rear
    • Anti-roll bars with quick adjustment
  • Power Transmission.
    • Six-speed sequential motorsport gearbox
    • Electric paddle shift system
    • Limited slip differential
    • CFRP drive shaft
    • Sachs carbon-fibre clutch
  • Electronics.
    • BMW Motorsport in-house developed software functions for engine, gearbox and driver assistance
    • Steering wheel with 16 buttons and seven dials
    • Rear-view camera system with object recognition
    • High-performance headlights with OSRAM LED elements
    • Live telemetry system for vehicle monitoring
  • Wheels/Tyres.
    • Rims: 12.5x18 inch on the front axle,13x18 inch on the rear axle
    • Michelin tyres: 30/68 R18 on the front axle,31/71 R18 on the rear axle

The BMW M8 GTE.

The GT flagship.

The BMW M8 GTE unites innovative technology, unique design and pure GT power. Built for the most iconic racetracks in the world, the BMW M8 GTE has been in action since 2018.
BMW M8 GTE
BMW M8 GTE on the race track
BMW M8 GTE
BMW M8 GTE on the race track
Cockpit of the BMW M8 GTE
BMW M8 GTE

BMW M8 GTE

BMW M8 GTE on the race track

BMW M8 GTE on the race track

Cockpit of the BMW M8 GTE

The BMW M8 GTE seen from above while driving on a racetrack

IMSA.

The IMSA series combines tradition and the modern era. It is the continuation of a long history of sports car racing in the USA and Canada, in which BMW has always played a major role. Legendary circuits provide the venues for thrilling GT races. Always in the thick of the action: the BMW M8 GTE and the BMW M6 GT3.
BMW M6 GT3.

BMW M6 GT3.

The BMW M6 GT3 takes to the track as the top model in the BMW M Motorsport Customer Racing range. It does so with great success: the GT3 car has claimed two overall victories at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and also occupied the top step of the podium at the iconic GT World Cup in Macau.