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.

„ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

IMSA.

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

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THE BMW M8 COUPÉ.

The ultimate in luxury and performance: The BMW M8 Coupé heralds a new era for BMW M high-performance automobiles in the luxury sector. A host of innovations in the areas of drive train and chassis create unique driving dynamics. Providing the power behind the outstanding performance characteristics is the most powerful V8 engine in the history of BMW M GmbH.

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THE BMW M8 GTE.

The GT flagship.