“This story originally appeared in the June 2022 issue of Roundel Magazine. Many thanks to Len Rayburn and Satch Carlson, Editor & Chief of Roundel Magazine, for allowing the E31 Chapter to reproduce this story on the E31 Chapter website. We are most appreciative.”

To join the BMW Car Club of America and specifically the E31 Chapter, please reach out to the BMW CCA National Office directly at 864-250-0022.”

/*! elementor – v3.6.6 – 08-06-2022 */
.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}

The M8 E31 Prototype Still Impressive at 30

/*! elementor – v3.6.6 – 08-06-2022 */
.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=”.svg”]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}

Making a rare appearance at the 2022 MX1, the BMW M8 E31 prototype attracted all ages during the spring event at BMW CCA Headquarters in Greer. MX1 guests enjoyed taking pictures and selfies with the one-of-a-kind model and its photogenic engine.

On display as part of the 50 Years of M celebration by BMW Classic, this secret prototype was developed in 1992 and only revealed to the public in 2010. Featuring a six-speed manual transmission with a naturally-aspirated six-liter V12, the M8 was estimated to be capable of over 185 mph. Its 640-horsepower engine was based on the S70 V12, and sports custom carbon-fiber valve covers and intakes.

The brilliant red coupe tweaks the E31 8 Series exterior with aerodynamic refinements, large air intakes, and other accents designed to add performance. It eschews folding headlights for integrated units, and the doors, hood, and top are all made of lightweight glass-reinforced plastic to further reduce weight.

While the E31 M8 never made it to production, it would have faced little competition in the power department—and it still looks sleek and modern today.—W. Len Rayburn

/*! elementor – v3.6.6 – 08-06-2022 */
.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-container{position:static}.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-container .swiper-slide figure{line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-slide{text-align:center}.elementor-image-carousel-wrapper:not(.swiper-container-initialized) .swiper-slide{max-width:calc(100% / var(–e-image-carousel-slides-to-show, 3))}