Even covered in camo, this thing looks menacing.
BMW appears to be right on track with the development and testing of its new flagship sports car, the 8-Series, ahead of its market launch sometime later this year. Finding themselves on the Aprilia circuit on the outskirts of Rome, BMW broke out the cameras and their related operators, and shared some details on what’s being done on what may be the ultimate BMW coupe.
While the 8-Series is still heavily camouflaged, it’s pretty clear to see that the upcoming 8 will bear classic sports car proportions, with a long bonnet, rearward cabin, and a gently-tapering roofline that makes it look dynamic even when still.
“The forthcoming BMW 8-Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand. This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering, and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment. In the process, we will strengthen our claim to leadership in the class.” — Harald Krüger, Chairman (Board of Management), BMW AG
There’s still no official mention of what’s under the bonnet, but it’s assumed that the 8-Series will take the cream of the 7-Series engine lineup, though the M8 is expected to carry over the V8 lump from the BMW M5. The saloon car makes a whopping 441kW, but critically, it transmits that power to all-four wheels. The M8 will likely do the same, but the 8-Series lineup could be rear-wheel drive as standard.
“The test drives under the most severe conditions show that we are right on target with our concept for the new BMW 8-Series Coupe. The vehicle dynamics values already achieved are absolutely impressive. Our customers and fans can look forward to a genuine sports car.” — Klaus Fröhlich, R&D Board Member, BMW AG
BMW’s gone a great length to outline that the development of the hardcore M8 and the M8 GTE racer are being run in parallel, though the 8-Series will almost certainly possess a more well-rounded appeal. They say that their reintroduction of the 8 nameplate will “create the ideal prerequisites” for wooing the most demanding customers out there, and if the Concept 8-Series is any indication, we’re inclined to believe them.
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