The first-generation M8 technically made its debut in 2020, but BMW was already working on a potential M8 in the early ’90s. The first-generation 8 Series was a brilliant grand tourer with sporty aspirations, but far from what BMW fans had come to expect from the M brand. The original 5.0-liter V12 only produced 296 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
It needed a more powerful V12 engine and instead of using two 2.5-liter inline-six series production engines joined at a 60-degree angle, BMW used two 3.0-liter inline-sixes from the E36 M3. This new V12 could produce up to 631 hp, which is double the output of the original V12. It would have been a riot.
Sadly, BMW dropped the prototype following a global recession, which turned out to be a solid move. Even the standard 8 Series struggled to sell, and BMW pulled the plug after selling only 30,000 units.
The M department did have their way with the 8 Series, however. BMW asked the M folks to make the 8 Series better, and they came up with the 850CSi.
