BMW reveals M8 GTE race car

BMW has unveiled its latest GT race car — the M8 GTE.

Based on its upcoming M8 road car, the German manufacturer is hoping its new GTE-spec car can “revive the successful history of BMW at the 24 Hours of Le Mans”.

Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, developing a base output of “over 500bhp”.

Although the motor is designed specifically for motorsport use, it retains components from the unit featuring in the road car, including the cylinder block and head.

Power is sent to the rear of the car via a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Thanks to the use of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer throughout the car, it weighs just 1,220kg.

Although the M8 GTE retains core design elements of the production M8, such as headlights and the roof line, it does feature typical GT race car elements. These include a full racing body package and a large rear wing, all designed to generate downforce.

BMW will return to international endurance racing next year for the first time since 2011, when its M3 GT2 raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a full season entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Jens Marquardt, director of BMW Motorsport, said: “The BMW M8 GTE is our new GT flagship and will go head to head with the strong opposition in this sector.

“We are bringing cutting-edge technology to the top international class of GT racing, whilst at the same time tying in with our tradition at Le Mans.

“Development is on schedule, and we can hardly wait to see the car challenging for victories in 2018.”