BMW is working on a flagship coupe that we're expecting to
revive the 8-Series name, and we have fresh spy shots and video of prototypes.
BMW hinted at the model in March when senior executives said
the automaker was looking at adding
more high-end models. One will be an i8 Spyder. Others will include this
8-Series coupe, an 8-Series Convertible and
possibly even an 8-Series Gran Coupe.
The 8-Series looks to feature a low roof and wide, muscular
shoulders reminiscent of Aston Martin’s DB9. And just like Aston Martin’s
popular grand tourer, the 8-Series will feature four seats arranged in a 2+2
format.
Some readers will recall that BMW had started work on a large,
coupe-like sedan based on the striking CS concept car of 2007. However,
the global financial crisis that erupted that year put an end to the project.
BMW never gave up on the idea of a large coupe, however, and
in 2013 we got a taste of a modern successor to the 8-Series with the unveiling
of the Gran Lusso Coupe concept.
Developed with Pininfarina, the Gran Lusso Coupe marked the start of a
partnership between BMW and the Italian design house and is thought to hint at
some of the finer design elements of the new 8-Series.
The platform is BMW’s carbon fiber-infused CLAR design that
debuted in the 2016 7-Series. It should
ensure a low curb weight (for a large, luxurious coupe) as well as
compatibility with electrified powertrains. We can also expect the latest in
infotainment technology including next-generation
gesture control.
Recent BMW trademark filings suggest V-8, V-12, M
Performance and dedicated M options for the car. The filings included “850”,
“860”, “M850” and “M8.” It's possible the M8 will feature a high-performance
hybrid system known as the Power
eDrive plug-in hybrid. The system combined a turbocharged inline-4 with a
pair of electric motors for a combined 670 horsepower. Any V-12 model should
feature the same 600-hp twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter engine from the latest M760i xDrive.
Production of the 8-Series will take place at BMW’s main
plant in Dingolfing, Germany, most likely starting in late 2018 or early the
following year. This means we should see the car introduced as a 2020 model.
Rivals will include the Lexus LC, Maserati GranTurismo and Mercedes-Benz
S-Class Coupe.
To make way for the 8-Series in BMW’s lineup, the
slow-selling 6-Series is expected to be given a shakeup. We've heard that a
sleeker 6-Series
Gran Turismo will replace the ungainly 5-Series GT. We've also heard
that a proper 6-Series coupe is coming but will be positioned
as a much sportier proposition to take on the Jaguar F-Type,
Mercedes-AMG GT and of course the Porsche 911.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1106180_2020-bmw-8-series-spy-shots-and-video
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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