BMW tests the new 8 series coupe's vehicle dynamics on the racetrack in italy

with the presentation of the ‘concept 8 series‘, BMW offered a glimpse at the design of their new luxury segment sports car. the dynamic qualities of the BMW ‘8 series coupe’ are clearly manifesting themselves. a close-to-series prototype is undergoing intensive testing on a high-speed proving ground in aprilia, italy. the tests serve in particular to optimize the vehicle’s driving dynamics on and mark yet a further decisive stage on the way to the launch of the sports car during 2018.

all images  © BMW 

BMW’s test drives are being carried out with a heavily camouflaged prototype, which gives strong indication of the ‘coupe’s’ typical sports car proportions. as in the case of the ‘concept 8 series’, the dynamically stretched lines, the flat silhouette and the powerful front and rear ends give a foretaste of the sporty driving experience. this impression is confirmed with each lap completed on the proving ground in italy. with its around four kilometres long oval circuit, including steep bends, the area situated in the proximity of rome offers above all the perfect conditions for high-speed and high friction coefficient tests. moreover, the acceleration, braking and steering behaviour of the sports car are analyzed on circuits, slalom courses and different road surfaces. the demanding test programme facilitates the targeted harmonization of all drive and suspension systems. the car is also able to meet the highest demnds in terms of supremacy and comfort.

the high vehicle dynamics potential results from an extraordinary close connection between motorsports and series production. the ‘8 series coupe’ is being developed parallel to and in close coordination with the ‘M8’ and the ‘M8 GTE’ racing car. whilst the prototype of the production model is undergoing endurance tests, the teams, which are supported by BMW motorsport, are currently preparing in daytona (USA) for the initial racetrack use of the’ M8 GTE’. in june 2018, it will participate in the 24-hour race at le mans. the knowledge gained there and at numerous other racing events in the FIA WEC and the IMSA weathertech sportscar championship in north america will benefit development of the ‘8 series coupe’.

‘the test drives under the most severe conditions show that we are right on target with our concept for the 8 series coupe. the vehicle dynamics values already achieved are absolutely impressive. our customers and fans can look forward to a genuine sports car’, comments klaus fröhlich, member of the board of the BMW AG, development and research, who oversees the test programme in italy.