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  BMW M8 Competition Convertible      

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Country of origin:Germany
Introduced in:2019
Source:Company press release
Last updated:June 05, 2019
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Click here to download printer friendly versionThe M xDrive intelligent rear-biased all-wheel drive system makes the most use of the new BMW M8's power and torque to increase performance to near-supercar levels.

The engine's torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels via the transfer case's electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch before the Active M differential splits the power between the two rear wheels as needed.

The rear biased system only sends torque to the front wheels when the rear wheels reach the limit of their traction. This provides the BMW M8 driver with both a traditional rear-wheel drive driving experience and with the added traction of all four wheels when the engine's full power output is required. The M xDrive system's added traction also reduces the need for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system to intrude, reducing power losses.

The M xDrive system allows the driver to tailor their driving experience via several available modes. The default 4WD mode focuses on providing maximum traction and controlled handling. 4WD Sport sharpens the M8's response and agility further while sending more power to the rear wheels during dynamic driving. Deactivating DSC allows for 2WD mode which allows for a unique rear-wheel drive only mode for experienced drivers.

The chassis and suspension of the new 2020 BMW M8 models have been carefully designed and rigorously tested to blend the demands of track driving with the comfortable and luxurious street capabilities that customers have come to expect.

The perfect coordination between engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system and aerodynamics were developed and tested at locations such as the BMW Group test track in Miramas in southern France, at the winter testing center in Arjeplog, Sweden and at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.

The BMW M8 is equipped with double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspensions with unique bushings, swivel bearings and strut tie bars to ensure accurate wheel location and reduced torque steer. Acting forces are directed through the control arms and wishbones into the suspension sub-frames and from there into the rigid body of the vehicle providing handling and agility without compromising comfort.

The standard Adaptive M Suspension uses data from body movement, road surface conditions and steering input to adjust each damper individually within milliseconds using electromagnetic valves. This ensures that the new BMW M8 is both track capable and comfortable on the road.

Three settings allow the suspension responses of the BMW M8 to be fine-tuned to the driver's needs. Comfort mode smooths out road imperfections while still providing very high levels of handling. Sport mode sharpens the vehicle's responses and is suitable for fast road conditions such as those found on the Nordschleife. Sport Plus is designed for maximum capabilities on race track circuits.

The Competition models feature firmer suspension settings to further improve steering and lateral responses, stiffer engine mounts, increased front negative camber for increased cornering ability and rear toe-link ball-joints instead of rubber bushings for more precise rear wheel tracking.

The electromechanical M Servotronic steering provides speed-sensitive power assistance with a variable steering ratio to provide more straight line stability, sharper turn-in response and excellent accuracy in corners. When the wheels are sharply turned, the variable steering rack's teeth are positioned closer together, so smaller steering inputs are required allowing the BMW M8 to feel nimble on winding roads and also to be easily maneuverable in tight parking spaces. Steering response can be varied between Comfort and Sport modes which allow for varying degrees of steering feedback and effort.

The BMW M8 features a new single setup button, found in the center console, which enables control over the engine, suspension, steering and xDrive settings, all of which were operated via individual control buttons in past M cars. The new setup button now also allows for control over the integrated braking system and its Comfort and Sport modes.

Pressing the setup button brings up the setup screen on the center display and allows various settings to be chosen and saved to the steering wheel-mounted M1 and M2 buttons.

Available Setup button menu settings include:
  • Engine characteristics - Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus.
  • Suspension characteristics - Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus
  • Steering characteristics - Comfort and Sport
  • Braking characteristics - Comfort and Sport
  • 4WD settings - 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD
A new M Mode button on the center console allows for the individual configuration of driver assistance settings, instrument cluster and Heap-Up display settings. The BMW M8 offers Road and Sport settings while the Competition models add an additional Track setting. Changing the mode allows for different information to be presented to the driver on the digital instrument screen and in the Head-Up display. The intervention levels of the driver assistance systems can also be reduced or turned off completely.

Default Road mode - all standard and optional driver assist systems are fully operational. Full information displays in the digital instrument display and Head-Up display.

Sport mode - activated by pressing the M mode button. Allows the driver to adjust or turn off various assist systems. The M View is activated for both the instrument cluster and Head-Up display. A tachometer, digital speed, selected gear and shift lights are displayed in the center with coolant temperature, tire pressure and longitudinal and lateral forces available to the left and right. The Head-Up display is focused on the tachometer, shift lights, selected gear, vehicle speed and navigation instructions.

Track mode - available on M8 Competition models and accessed by pressing and holding down the M mode button and is designed for use on closed tracks. Confirmation of this mode is required via the iDrive controller. Driver assistance system intervention is turned off. Additionally the audio system and center control display are turned off so the driver may concentrate on the road ahead with important information provided via the Head-Up and the digital instrument displays.

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  Article Image gallery (36) Specifications