The M8 Competition is already the BMW’s high-performance flagship.
However, with four decades of experience in tuning, Steve Dinan knows the big BMW can be made even faster.
His latest CarBahn Autoworks creation pushes the M8 Competition into true supercar territory, with more power and bespoke chassis upgrades.
Ready for the autobahn
Steve Dinan founded his eponymous tuning company in 1979, developing a reputation for building formidable BMW engines. CarBahn Autoworks, his latest venture, aims to expand that tuning portfolio to other premium marques.
CarBahn focuses on Mercedes-AMG, Porsche and Audi RS models, along with BMW M cars.
California-based CarBahn aims to offer a range of performance tuning options, with upgrades placing either an emphasis on street or track driving.
The Power of Eight
The original BMW 8 Series was one of the most famous cars tuned by Dinan. It’s therefore no surprise that CarBahn Autoworks has chosen to give the range-topping BMW M8 Competition plenty of attention.
With a 4.4-l twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the regular M8 Competition is no slouch. Direct from the factory, it offers 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
However, CarBahn’s new Stage 2 Power Package pushes the engine much further. Using 100-octane fuel, this M8 now produces an incredible 882 hp and 795 lb-ft of torque.
Creating the extra power are new air filters, larger lightweight heat exchangers, improved intercoolers and a remapped ECU. CarBahn also removes the speed limiter, allowing for a top speed in excess of 200 mph.
Improving Munich’s chassis work
Other upgrades on this ‘entry-level’ GT-specification M8 include detailed changes to its chassis and suspension.
For $1,500 (£1,078), CarBahn will install a coilover suspension system that works with the M8’s electronically controlled dampers. Adjustable tubular anti-roll bars can be added for an extra $1,000 (£719).
High-performance suspension bearings, and an adjustable rear toe link kit are said to truly transform how the M8 drives. CarBahn states that this adds precision and predictability when pushing the M8 to its limit.
Lightweight 20-inch Forgeline wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup R rubber. Specifying these adds a further $9,200 (£6,611) to the price tag.
Performance with piece of mind
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Stage 2 Power Package, which requires an extra $8,600 (£6,180) outlay.
For an additional piece of mind, buyers can opt for a $2,500 (£1,797) manufacturer-matching warranty.
Steve Dinan has previously stated that his tuning methods will not “put your engine in jeopardy”. This includes retaining features like knock sensitivity and thermal protection as part of the ECU software.
How fast do you want to go?
Specifying all the CarBahn GT upgrades for the BMW M8 Competition, including the 20-inch wheels, results in a total spend of $22,900 (£16,500).
For those who want even more, CarBahn Autoworks can take the M8 still further. A range-topping GTC package can result in an astounding 1,000 hp.
Given the subtle styling of the M8 Competition, the CarBahn upgrades offer the potential to create a true stealth supercar.
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