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BMW M8 could have been equipped with McLaren F1's V12 engine instead.

BMW designed an exceptional 8 Series model, equipped with a V12 engine, in 1990. The engine was later used in the McLaren F1, but the production of this unique version never materialized.

An alternative design for the BMW M8 could have featured the McLaren F1's V12 engine.
An alternative design for the BMW M8 could have featured the McLaren F1's V12 engine.

BMW M8 could have been equipped with McLaren F1's V12 engine instead.

In the world of luxury sports cars, two iconic models have left indelible marks – the BMW M8 and the McLaren Speedtail.

The BMW M8, unveiled at the 2012 M5 reveal, was a testament to BMW's engineering prowess. With its aggressive looks, it stood out from the 850CSI, boasting new bumpers, bigger alloys, wind-cheating mirrors, extra air vents at the back, and blistered wheel arches. Under the hood, the V12 engine produced around 580 horses.

Interestingly, this V12 engine was not a conventional one. It was built by bolting together a pair of V6s from the E36 M3. The engine was used in very limited numbers in the 1993 McLaren F1 and in BMW's prototype Le Mans racer in 1999. The designer of this unique engine later worked on the McLaren F1.

In contrast, the new BMW 8 Series is not intended to be a competitor to the S-Class Coupe. Instead, it focuses on the driving experience. Regrettably, the new 8 Series will not feature a V12 option, unlike its predecessor.

Meanwhile, McLaren has announced a new addition to its Ultimate Series – the McLaren Speedtail. This hypercar promises more than 987bhp from its V8 hybrid, surpassing the power output of the BMW M8.

The McLaren F1, a predecessor of the Speedtail, holds a special place in the annals of motoring history. Not only did it secure McLaren's position as the only car manufacturer to win the Formula 1 World Championship, Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans 24 Hours, but it also remains the fastest normally aspirated production road car in the world.

In the end, both the BMW M8 and McLaren Speedtail represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering, each with its unique story and legacy. While the BMW M8, produced in only one unit, showcases BMW's engineering prowess and innovative spirit, the McLaren Speedtail promises to push the boundaries of performance and design.

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