BMW launches M8 GTE

BMW Motorsport has revealed the look for its 2018 M8 GTE with its final livery today at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.

The car will debut at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in January – before the road car goes on sale – to kick off its parallel IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and World Endurance Championship programs.

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It features a twin-turbo four-liter V8 with 500 hp engine, with a cylinder block and cylinder head identical to the 8 series engine. It's a light car too, weighing in at just under 2,700 pounds, the reduction in weight achieved through the extensive use of ultra-light CFRP components.

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

"For us, the presentation of the un-camouflaged car at the IAA is the next important step on the road to our first race outing, which we plan to be the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018. The FIA WEC and the IMSA series in North America are a top competitive environment for our new challenger.

"With the BMW M8 GTE, 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. The development of the BMW M8 GTE is on schedule, and we can hardly wait to see the car challenging for victories in 2018."