The long-rumored successor to the iconic BMW M1 of the late 1970s will make its public debut in 2016, says Car and Driver.
The M8 will be a supercar loosely inspired by the M1 Hommage concept (seen above) that bowed at the 2008 Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance. The M8 will sport a modified version of the eco-friendly i8’s platform. BMW engineers are reportedly targeting the M8 to weigh in at 2760 pounds.
BMW is looking to reinforce the company’s racing chops with the M8. The vehicle will crank out between 600 and 650 horsepower thanks to a 4.4-liter direct-injected V8 engine. The engine will be linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission, that will allow the M8 to go from zero to 62 mph in about three seconds. Top speed will be around 200 mph.
If the rumor proves true, BMW will unveil the M8 as a concept car within two years. Expect pricing to start in excess of $300,000.
The original M1 was launched in 1978. Only 456 were produced.