Get your game face on: this camouflaged behemoth pounding the Estoril circuit in Portugal is the high-performance derivative of BMW's 8 Series GT, which will (natch) be called the M8, codename 'F92' for the Coupe. That F-qualifier is necessary, because - with the M8 Coupe slated to go on sale in 2009 - BMW has already confirmed that there will be an M8 Convertible, as well as a four-door M8 Gran Coupe; presumably, these models will be F93 and F94, respectively. Anyway, what we know for now is that the F92 M8 will have a 'high-revving' V8 that produces 'north of' 600hp - we reckon this means the 4.4-litre motor found in the 625hp M5 Competition - while it will also have best eco-returns of 26.4mpg and 243g/km of CO₂. BMW says the M8 is a 'performance-oriented vehicle concept with minimised weight, low centre of gravity, even weight distribution, optimum wheelbase and wide tracks' and that it will have 'M-specific suspension delivers exceptional directional stability, steering precision and cornering dynamics'. Having already driven the M850i xDrive and loved it, this news means 'much excite' in us for the full-fat M8.

Matt Robinson - 9 Nov 2018