The BMW 8 Series is still just a concept car, but enthusiasts are already eagerly waiting the arrival of the hardcore M8. We expect the M8 to utilize the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the new M5, producing upwards of 615 hp. We knew that we wouldn't be seeing a production version of the regular 8 Series or the M8 at Frankfurt, but we were expecting to see the racing version of the car called the M8 GTE. The M8 GTE has been revealed in full and we really can't wait to see this beauty tearing up the race track.

The M8 GTE is set to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. BMW painted the car in a typical M Motorsports livery with the classic M colored stripes on a white car. The V8 engine in the race car is twin-turbocharged, but is restricted to 4.0 liters by race regulations. This engine has an output of 500 hp, which is actually lower than the street car. The M8 GTE is simply the latest in a long line of modern race cars that have less power than their road-going counterparts. It may be down on power, but the M8 GTE will be much quicker than the road car around the track thanks to heavy aero and a six-speed sequential racing transmission.

The car is built to be as light as possible using ultra-light carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) components. These parts were developed using 3D printing, which helped bring down the development time. BMW says that the race car will share a close relationship to the road car in design. If the road-going 8 Series is as good looking as the race car, then BMW may be ready to dominate the grand touring segment. The Lexus LC500 and Aston Martin DB11 better watch out.