While we wait for BMW to announce the launch date of the new M8, German tuner AC Schnitzer has lifted the wraps off its take on the M850i xDrive coupé.

According to the firm, this pre-production model showcases the performance and design direction of the upcoming "8 Series by AC Schnitzer" (as it is officially called) range. This M850i will be the first version to be built, with a convertible variant to follow. A modified version of the 840d, in both hard- and soft-top guise, will follow at a later stage.

The M850i you see here, though, employs a tweaked version of BMW's 4,4-litre V8. The twinturbo-petrol's original outputs of 390 kW and 750 N.m of torque have been increased to a whopping 441 kW and 850 N.m. This means this M850i produces figures close to those of the upcoming M8, which BMW earlier in 2018 confirmed would have "more than" 440 kW.

AC Schnitzer's version of the 840d, meanwhile, has had its 3,0-litre inline-six oil-burner tuned to deliver 279 kW and 780 N.m (up from the standard 235 kW and 680 kW).

A suspension kit, which lowers the 8 Series by up to 25 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear, is the first step in this sportscar's aftermarket development, the Aachen-based firm says. AC3 forged alloys and AC1 lightweight wheels will be available in 20- and 21-inch sizes, respectively.

To provide added downforce, "super-light" carbon-fibre aerodynamic components, such as a front splitter and "racing" rear wing, will be available at a later stage. The current model is equipped with fibre-glass components.

Author: Marius Boonzaier

Original article from Car