It sounds like a daft question, but remember the BMW M8? Probably you do, but it definitely feels like a forgotten M car of late. Yet all three bodystyles remain on the BMW configurator ready for anyone courageous enough. Probably the furore around the latest M2/M3/M5 (delete as appropriate, or choose all three), plus the fact it’s on the old architecture now, has accounted for the lack of commotion. Plus there’s the relative lack of controversy around the M8, and what should therefore be considerable appeal: it’s like an old M5 to drive, the one that folk now apparently can’t get enough of, in a much more suave range of bodystyles.
Anyway, G-Power’s new work on the M8 should ensure it’s being discussed for a little while at least. Because it has 900hp, and the Competition model never felt slow with 625hp. There’s now 774lb ft as well, up significantly from the standard 553lb ft, thanks to a serious raft of upgrades; we’ve become familiar of late with the B58/S58 pair of 3.0-litre sixes, but there are clearly gains to be had from the S63 4.4 twin-turbo V8 as well.
The pistons are now forged, as are the conrods, and there have been ‘extensive turbo modifications’ for the pair of blowers. The intercoolers are larger and the exhaust shoutier; in fairness to the G-Power Deeptone system, that’s not all it does - because back pressure and temperature are also reduced - but it seems likely that a proper V8 rumble will be the main takeaway. G-Power says a Hurricane RR 8 Series is capable of 205mph. Presumably that applies to Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible, although it isn’t confirmed.
Those who like the M8 for its subtle, classy fast car aesthetic may not be convinced by G-Power’s cosmetic revamp, though the German tuner is nothing if not consistent in its approach. The rear wing, 21-inch wheels and the carbon grille make the 3,600hp awesome foursome - their words, not ours, promise - immediately identifiable as G-Power creations.
The work won’t come cheap, of course, because they’re rebuilding an M engine here with forged bits. We’ve probably all got a bit used to the B58 being software changes away from a million horsepower. An M8 can be made into a 700hp car with just ECU interrogation for a couple of thousand euros, though for the full monty the bill will be more like €60k (£50k at current rates). The engine work accounts for about half of that, then there are the punchier turbos to think about, the new exhaust and downpipes, plus intercoolers.
Still, with all that to account for, you wouldn’t have to worry about spending more on lairy leather or the wheels. The big BMW does depreciate, too, so something like this Voodoo Blue two-door could have a lot of work done and still be less than £100,000. And don’t pretend like you wouldn’t fancy a go in a 900hp Gran Coupe…
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