BMW’s 8 Series coupe is currently undergoing intensive high-speed testing at a proving ground in Aprilia, Italy, to optimize the vehicle’s driving dynamics.
With its 4km-long oval circuit including steep bends, the area situated close to Rome provides the perfect conditions for high-speed and high-friction coefficient tests.
Furthermore, the acceleration, braking and steering behavior of the new sports car is also being analyzed on circuits, slalom courses and different road surfaces. As part of the test program, all drive and suspension systems will undergo refinement in order to ensure all systems work in harmony.
“The test drives have shown that we are right on target with our concept for the new BMW 8 Series coupe. The vehicle dynamics values already achieved are impressive,” said Klaus Fröhlich, member of the board at BMW and R&D engineer, who is overseeing the test program in Italy.
The new 8 Series coupe is being developed parallel to and in close coordination with the BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE racing car. While the prototype of the production model is undergoing durability tests, the teams (supported by BMW Motorsport) are currently preparing in Daytona (Florida) for shakedowns of the BMW M8 GTE on a race track.
The BMW M8 GTE made its racing debut at the Daytona 24-hour race this past weekend (January 27-28). In June 2018, it will then participate in the Le Mans 24 Hour race in France. The knowledge gained there and at numerous other racing events in the FIA WEC (World Endurance Championship) and the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) in North America will be fed in the development program for the 8 Series Coupé.