M8 Convertible

Make
BMW
Segment
Compact

The recently unveiled BMW M8 represents the Bavarian automaker's new flagship. Under the hood, you'll find a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the range-topping M8 Competition increases the output to a very respectable 625 horsepower.

If, however, you've been waiting for BMW M to make a dedicated supercar, you're going to be disappointed because M8 already fills that role according to BMW. Speaking to WhichCar, M Division head Markus Flasch claimed there's no need for BMW M to make an even hotter model because the M8 is "the ultimate performance machine that we offer." He even went on to say it will be the "fastest ever BMW at the Nurburgring Nordschleife." Considering that the M8 can rocket from 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds and the M8 Competition does the same sprint in just 3.2 seconds, this seems feasible.

BMW test drivers are so proud of the M8 that they've been calling the new flagship "a Porsche Turbo killer," which is a very bold claim. The current 911 Turbo offers 533 hp in standard trim or 572 hp for the S variant. However, a new generation 911 Turbo is already in development, so it will be interesting to see if the new M8 can keep up with it. Reports suggest the new 911 Turbo will offer around 600 hp for the regular model, while the S model will reportedly offer as much as 640 hp.

While the M8 and M5 both use the same powertrain, Flasch makes it clear the M8 isn't just an M5 with two fewer doors. "The center of gravity is 0.95 inches lower than in the M5, you sit lower and we've done a lot to the connection of the chassis to the body," he explained. "It makes the front much stiffer and the steering feels different; all our test drivers were surprised by the different character."

The BMW M8 will go on sale this September, with the coupe starting at $133,000 and the more powerful Competition version costing $146,000. The convertible starts at $142,500, and the Competition version will set you back $155,500. BMW is also expected to unveil the new M8 Gran Coupe sometime this year.