BMW May Have Just Made Its Fastest Car Ever
BMW has a history of building exemplary performance cars. From the M1 of the 1970s to today’s twin-turbo M3, the German brand makes vehicles with sleek looks and track-ready dynamics. But of those cars, which is the fastest?
While the list of fast BMWs is long, the 2024 M8 Competition Coupe is near the top. Arguably the fastest production BMW ever made, the 2024 BMW M8 Competition Coupe is a high-performance two-door coupe with a potent engine, sporty design, and track-oriented performance.Â
Let’s take a closer look at this car, its standout features, and the legendary BMWs of yesteryear.
2024 BWM M8 Competition: features, specs, pricing
The BMW 8-Series Coupe is long and lean, with a low roofline and classic style. While the base-trim 840i has plenty of everyday performance, the M8 Competition is a track-ready banshee. Here are the details.
From the outside, the BMW M8 Competition Coupe oozes race-ready style, with giant monoblock brakes, an M carbon roof, and an M rear spoiler. 20-inch M star-spoke bi-color wheels dazzle, and Shadowline exterior trim brings low-key curb appeal.
But it’s the M8 Competition’s powertrain that sets it apart. A twin-turbo 4.4-liter DOHC V8 produces 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. An M Sport 8-speed auto has paddle shifters and launch control. According to BMW, 60 mph arrives in only 3.0 seconds. And when equipped with the M Driver’s Package, the top speed is 190 mph.
Of course, the M8 Competition isn’t only about straight-line speed. BMWs have a reputation for balanced handling, and the M8 Competition continues that tradition.
The M xDrive system optimizes off-the-line traction and can switch between 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD modes. And M-specific suspension and steering bring the company’s motorsports experience to the streets.
Beyond that, customers can customize the M8 Competition even more style and performance. Optional colors like Isle of Man Green (no charge) and Frozen Pure Grey Metallic ($5,000) accentuate the M8’s flowing lines. The M Carbon exterior package ($5,400) adds racy carbon fiber highlights. And M carbon ceramic brakes ($8,500) bring fade-free stopping in the most demanding conditions.
BMW has a history of producing fast cars
The 2024 BMW M8 Competition is a superb piece of engineering. But it’s nothing new for the company. The German brand has produced many notable fast cars with finely-tuned engines and a motorsports heritage. Here are some of our favorites.
In the 1970s, BMW’s Motorsport division needed a car to compete in Group-5 racing. Thus began the design and construction of the M1. Featuring a tubular space frame by Dallara and a 3.5-liter inline-six with 273 hp, the M1 was the first car developed by the company’s famed M division.
Not only that, but it also had striking bodywork by Giorgetto Giugiario. It went on to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it performed well. From 1978-1981, BMW produced 435 M1s. BMW lists its top speed at around 165 mph.
To this day, the first-generation E30 M3 enjoys an enthusiastic following. And it’s no wonder, with its lightweight, neutral handling, and motorsports-derived engine. Produced from 1986-1991, the first M3 used an S14 inline-four with 192 hp. The venerable model enjoyed a successful racing career, especially in the touring car category. According to Car and Driver, the top speed was 141 mph.
Lastly, the current-generation BMW M2 taps into the brand’s history of lightweight performance coupes. In addition to its compact dimensions and agile handling, the M2 uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 453 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. When optioned with the M Driver’s package, the result is a 177 mph top speed, as noted by Car and Driver.
The M8 Competition Coupe is among the fastest BMWs ever made. With 617 hp on tap, it has the power of a racing machine. But with style for miles, it cuts a striking silhouette on the boulevard. BMW’s motorsports heritage helps it build fast cars with balanced handling. And stretching back to the ’70s, they’ve done just that, with vehicles like the M1 and M3. If you’re an enthusiast who wants a unique ride, an M-car is just the ticket.
