BMW M8 confirmed with adjustable brake tech

M division develops a vacuum-free system that offers more feel; plus new Track drive mode for 600hp two-door

BMW has confirmed that its upcoming M8 super-coupe and convertible models will use all-new adjustable brake technology that will offer more feel. The introduction of a vacuum-free brake booster that uses an electronic actuator is said to drastically boost left pedal response, while also allowing two braking modes to be created for the first time.

Comfort mode reduces the amount of pressure required from the driver to slow the car, while Sport increases the required input to unlock more feedback through the pedal, as you might expect. The new hardware, which also saves two kilograms over alternatives, is said to offer unimpeded feel even under heavy braking on wet surfaces and during high lateral loads because it can constantly adjust its parameters.

More interestingly, BMW claims that the actuator-tech can counter any loss of feedback provided by hot brakes, which begs the question of whether it will also mask the sort of information passed through a pedal that warns of impending overheating. Surely BMW’s M division boffins will have an answer for that – but rest assured it’s something we’ll be investigating once the M8 is revealed this September.

Also new for the 4.4-litre V8-powered M8 models will be a Track mode, accessible when the M button is pressed and held for a few seconds. Do this and the 600hp two-door will turn off all of its comfort and driver assist features, the radio will turn off and the infotainment system will display track-specific data. Alternatively, click the M button quickly and the car will be switched to Sport mode, adjusting the damping, steering and powertrain responses as per usual.

Along with the part-time rear-wheel drive capabilities of the M8’s xDrive hardware, it all points to a super-coupe that’s being honed to offer some pretty serious track performance. This is understandable, of course, what with the M8 ranking as BMW’s performance halo – and suggests we’ll have quite the test on our hands when the car reaches roads before the close of 2019. There’ll be more after that, of course, with a 625hp Competition variant due and a four-door Gran Coupe to follow in 2020.