BMW M8 Coupe Prototype (E31) 6.0 V12 (640 Hp)
People\'s Opinion
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BMW M8:
The BMW M8 is the high-performance version of the BMW 8 Series marketed under the BMW M sub-brand.
Introduced in June 2019, the M8 was initially produced in the 2-door convertible and 2-door coupe body styles. A 4-door sedan body style was added to the lineup in October 2019. The M8 is powered by the BMW S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine shared with the BMW M5.
BMW revived the 8 Series nameplate by introducing the M8 GTE racecar , which replaced the M6 GTLM at the end of the 2017 season of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, leading to speculation about a production equivalent to the racing car. At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, BMW introduced the M8 Gran Coupé Concept, which previewed a high performance four-door variant of the Concept 8 Series introduced alongside the M8 GTE at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The design of the concept was based on the M8 GTE and sported aggressive M performance visual parts. Prototypes of the M8 began testing in June 2017 when another Concept of the 8 Series was unveiled to the public....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe Prototype (E31) Overview:
BMW M8 (Coupe Prototype (E31)). With 650 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1443 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
Performance Verdict
This 6.0 V12 (S70/2) engine is an absolute powerhouse, delivering an astounding 640 Hp. It offered supercar-level performance for its era, making the M8 Prototype a true performance icon, even if never produced.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large displacement, high-performance V12 from the early 90s, the reported 10.6 l/100 km (combined) is relatively high, reflecting its focus on power over fuel efficiency. This would be considered poor by modern standards.
Best Use Case:
Track / Collector / Enthusiast Driving
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Extremely rare and historically significant prototype
- • Exceptional 6.0 V12 S70/2 engine with 640 Hp
- • Supercar-level performance for its era
- • Unique and aggressive E31 design enhancements
- • A true testament to BMW's engineering capabilities
Cons:
- • Never reached production, limiting availability to collectors
- • High fuel consumption typical of a large V12
- • Maintenance and parts would be extremely challenging/expensive (if it were a production car)
- • Lacks modern safety features and driver aids
- • Ride comfort likely compromised for performance
Specifications:
| General: |
| Brand: | BMW |
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| Model: | M8 |
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| Generation: | Coupe Prototype (E31) |
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| Modification (Engine): | 6.0 V12 (640 Hp) |
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| Start of production: | 1992 |
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| End of production: | 1992 |
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| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
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| Body type: | Coupe |
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| Seats: | 4 |
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| Doors: | 2 |
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| Engine: |
| Power: | 640 Hp @ 7500 rpm. |
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| Power per litre: | 105.5 Hp/l |
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| Torque: | 650 Nm @ 5600 rpm. |
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| Engine Model/Code: | S70/2 |
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| Engine displacement: | 6064 |
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| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
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| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
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| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
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| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
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| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
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| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
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| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.6 l/100 km |
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| Weight-to-power ratio: | 2.3 kg/Hp, 443.5 Hp/tonne |
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| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.2 kg/Nm, 450.5 Nm/tonne |
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| Size: |
| Length: | 4780 mm mm |
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| Width: | 1855 mm mm |
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| Height: | 1330 mm mm |
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| Wheelbase: | 2684 mm mm |
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| Front track: | 1554 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1562 mm |
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| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 6 |
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| Transmission type | Manual |
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| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 345 mm |
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| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 328 mm |
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| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
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| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 235/45 R17 |
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| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8J x 17 |
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| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
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| Rear suspension | Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
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If you could change one thing about the BMW M8, what would it be?