BMW M8 GTE Revealed; Completes Initial Three-Day Test

Photo: BMW

BMW’s new-for-2018 GT challenger has been revealed, with the German manufacturer releasing the first photos of the BMW M8 GTE.

The car, which will debut in January’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, continued its development program last week, completing a three-day test at the Lausitzring with drivers Martin Tomczyk and Maxime Martin at the wheel.

It came following its initial rollout at BMW’s plant in Dingolfing, Germany on July 1.

“To see the BMW M8 GTE on the racetrack makes me very proud,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

“Everyone involved has done a magnificent job in recent months to allow us to reach this milestone in the development of our new flagship for the GT racing scene.

“In the first instance, the purpose of a test like this is obviously to get to know the car.

“In this regard, greater emphasis is placed on the safety aspect than performance. However, the first impression of the BMW M8 GTE out on the track is a very positive one.”

Former DTM champion Tomczyk said he had “great fun” in the car. BMW did not release any further details on the initial test.

“The BMW M8 GTE is good to drive from the outset, and it is easy for us drivers to work out the way it handles, which is important,” he said.

“We got a lot of kilometers under our belt, and gathered a lot of data. We also took our first steps with regard to performance, which is by no means a given at a first test.

“We will obviously work more intensively on that at the coming tests, and will build on the strong basis we established here at the Lausitzring.”

Photo: BMW

Photo: BMW

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John