The $60,000 Question: What Type Of Motor Will BMW Use In The M8? I6? V8? V12?

Now that it's official, let the speculation begin.

The BMW M8 has made its very first appearance. Of course, this raises more questions than anything else. Details are, predictably, limited but that doesn't mean we can't start trying to draw some conclusions.

From the 30,000-foot perspective, this is what we know:

- The 8-Series will be the company's flagship product and likely to share some components with the 7-Series a la the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and S-Class Coupe
- As with any M variant, there will be an expectation for the M car to boast a nice boost in power from the standard vehicle
- BMW is definitely taking this M8 racing in form of the M8 GTE — this doesn't mean the motor will carry over necessarily, but it may be a determinant in what type of engine BMW shoehorns in there

So, it's time to place your bets. To me this really boils down to three choices. I think it will come down to one of the following:

- Forced induction I6 producing 600+ horsepower a la the Ford GT as M is taking it racing
- V8 — BMW will likely carry over the turbocharged, eight-cylinder from the 7-Series for use in the standard 8
- V12 — We've seen what BMW is capable of with the M760i, I'd only imagine the company upping the ante with the M8

That said, what do you think it'll be, Spies?

MDarringer - 5/27/2017 10:57:50 AM

-1 Boost

They will probably do some 4 cylinder turbo hybrid EV bull crap instead of doing the right thing and going with V8 for base and V12 for upgrade.

xjug1987a - 5/27/2017 12:18:35 PM

0 Boost

Agreed but I'd further that with who cares. This is nothing special

MDarringer - 5/27/2017 12:52:52 PM

-1 Boost

@xjug1987a BMW has gotten very "old people".

I'd love them to use the 1 Series FWD sedan to create a 2002 that is aimed at the Jetta GLI and priced accordingly.

I'd love to see them repurpose the 2 Series into a fastback coupe aimed at and priced like the Mustang/Camaro price segment.

I'd love for the Z4--or whatever they are calling it this time--to be attainable for people who are 25-40.

None of that will happen because they are hellbent on growing old with Audi and Mercedes. Lexus--meanwhile--trends very well with millennials.

xjug1987a - 5/27/2017 4:49:00 PM

0 Boost

As usual you and I agree. Especially the reborn 2002!

dpalmo - 5/27/2017 1:07:57 PM

+1 Boost

At least we know it won't have the legendary V10 from the Audi R8. Best engine ever! Both Mercedes and BMW wish they can one-up that.

If Audi wanted more performance, they could easily put a detuned W16 from the Veyron into the R8. VW has the perfect portfolio of powerplants. That's why VW is number one.

MDarringer - 5/27/2017 1:45:59 PM

0 Boost

You mean the one they badge engineered from Lamborghini?

VWAG's powerplants seriously lag in advancement.

The W16 won't fit in an R8.

dpalmo - 5/27/2017 2:15:02 PM

+2 Boost

Yup perfect VW engineering.

Of course it'll fit. I'm not talking W16 with all 4 turbo in its glory. The R8 and Veyron are basically the same size

I know what you're thinking. Of course GM engineering, with its limited vision and capabilities, won't be able to pull it off. But VW can. After all, GM has no supercar. At least Ford has the balls to make one.

MDarringer - 5/27/2017 4:16:37 PM

-1 Boost

@dpalmo. You've obviously (1) never seen a W16 or (2) the engine bay of an R8.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/27/2017 3:36:12 PM

+2 Boost

It is already costly coming up with a low volume product. Do not expect a different engine. They will repurpose the 7 series engine offerings. V8 and V12 are likely. Conti on the cheap.