Check out this barely known 1990 BMW M8 Concept

BMW Classic has restored a unique E31 M8 sports car that rolled off the lines packing a V12 engine 31 years ago, but never made it into mass production.

The car was only shown to the public in 2010. It looked much like the regular 8 Series, but had its own front bumper (no slide-out headlights) and hood cover. It also rocked carbon fiber fenders and doors, air intakes in the rear wheel arches, a new exhaust system, and original wheels.

Furthermore, the one-off M8 featured a purpose-designed, naturally aspirated six-liter V12. Its projected output of 520-550 PS (513-542 hp; 382-404 kW) could theoretically turn it into a supercar slayer, because even the Ferrari F40 and the Lamborghini Diablo only had 500 PS (493 hp / 368 kW) at most back in the era.

However, the management of the company ultimately deemed the project too expensive, and the M8 Concept was scrapped, leaving an 850 CSi at the top of the model line with ‘just’ 380 PS (375 hp / 279 kW).

Restoring the exotic coupe to its former glory took a great effort and many years, but now that it is complete, the team intends to take it out for some further testing and refinement.