Although still under wraps, the first BMW M8 – or some may say the second one –  was crafted along side the all-new Concept 8 Series that made its stunning debut earlier this week. The M8 followed today with a semi-reveal giving us a glimpse into the future of the M Division.

In an uncharacteristic move, BMW has unveiled the M8 to the public today in the minutes leading to the start of the Nürburgring 24 Hour race. The camouflaged M8 gave the M fans a sneak peak of what its version of the range-topping BMW coupe will look.

“The future BMW M8 will build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision and agility,” explains Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. It all flows into a driving experience that bears the familiar BMW M hallmarks and satisfies our customers’ most exacting requirements.”

Compared to the BMW Concept 8 Series, the M8 sports larger air intakes, massive brakes, and an exhaust with four tailpipes instead of two refined and hexagonal ones.

We’ve gotten no specs as of yet, so we don’t know what sort of engine or power figures the M8 will have. We feel as if it could go in one of two directions. It could either get the same S63 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 as the F90 BMW M5 or maybe the same 6.6 liter twin-turbocharged V12 as the BMW M760i. They both make around the same 600 hp, so either way it would be properly quick. The original BMW 850CSi, and prototype M8, had a V12 engine and it seems that as BMW’s flagship it should have its biggest engine.

A video from Nurburgring gave us earlier today a look at the engine sound as well, which seems to sound more like a revised V8 Twin-Turbo.

Until the M8 comes to market – in 2018 – we can enjoy some of those early photos, exclusively, from the Nurburgring.