October 28, 2019 |
New UHP P Zero specially developed for the new BMW M8
The four variants of the new BMW M8 have the most powerful engine ever developed for BMW M GmbH automobile. These are the BMW M8 Coupé, the BMW M8 Competition Coupé, the BMW M8 Convertible and the BMW M8 Competition Convertible. The high-revving V8 unit, with M TwinPower Turbo technology, develops 441 kW/600 hp in the M8 Coupe and Convertible, and 460 kW/625 hp in the Competition models. The high-performance power unit links to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, and the engine’s power is channelled to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Tried and tested on the racetrack
The model-specific chassis technology has been designed and tuned with the specific demands of track use in mind. The performance-focused character of the engine, transmission and chassis allows the new BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8 Convertible to power from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3 / 3.4 seconds. The new BMW M8 Competition Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, the new BMW M8 Competition Convertible in 3.3 seconds.
High performance wheels
In order to bring this power safely onto the road, the standard equipment includes 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design and high-performance tyres (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20). During several years of close cooperation between the development and testing departments of Pirelli and the BMW Group an individual version of the UHP-tyre P Zero was developed. In keeping with Pirelli's Perfect Fit philosophy it is precisely tuned to the chassis and characteristics of the BMW M8 variants. Compared to the original P Zero, the variant specified for BMW has a higher performance level in the categories of lap time, dry and wet handling, consistency, braking performance, straight and lateral hydroplaning, weight, comfort, noise and mileage. Therefore, the tyre achieves optimum performance on the BMW M8 and makes a decisive contribution to the variants’ ability to optimally exploit their potential.
Developed for the racetrack: Cooling concept and oil supply
A sophisticated cooling system ensures optimum operating temperatures at all times, both in everyday use on urban routes and when the cars are stretching their legs on the track. The particular challenges of track driving are reflected in the design of the oil supply system, too. It ensures a reliable supply of oil at all times, even under extreme lateral and longitudinal acceleration.
Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive
Power transfer is via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The Drivelogic button on the newly designed selector lever allows the driver to select from three modes with specific shift characteristics for particularly efficient, sporty or ultra-dynamic driving. There are also M gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. Another factor in the enthralling performance of the new BMW M8 models is the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with its rear-biased setup.
Integrated braking system with configurable pedal feel
The braking system developed for BMW M models also presents the driver with two pedal settings. The driver can choose between a more comfort-oriented, or a particularly direct, instantaneous pedal feel.
Distinctive design expresses dynamism and exclusivity
Large air intakes and the BMW kidney grille with familiar M double bars at the front end, lavishly flared front wheel arches, M gills in the front side panels, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and a rear spoiler and apron with diffuser elements in a contrasting colour create a fitting visual showcase for the dynamic potential and exclusive status of the new M contenders. An M Carbon exterior package is offered as an option.
Source: Pirelli
