QUOTE
BMW’s early ‘90s 8-series was a striking two-door coupe, so it only seems fitting that BMW plans to revive the 8-series nameplate on a new four-door coupe. According to a new report, BMW is currently working on a road-going version of the Concept CS (Gran Turismo) that will wear the 8-series nameplate in production guise.
However, the new 8-series is not being design by BMW. Instead, the German automaker has turned things over to its M-performance division – marking the first time a BMW vehicle has been completely developed by its famed in-house tuner.
But despite the M design, the 8-series will not be getting a specific M model. “It will take a couple of years [to get the CS to market],” BMW M president Ludwig Willisch told Drive. “The naming is not defined yet but it will not be an M car.”
Although there are no plans for an M8, the M division landed the project because the new car will be going up against the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera – the latter of which will likely be the best sports sedans on the market.
Despite its sporting aspirations, the new four-door won’t be compact by any stretch of the imagination. Riding on a modified version of the new 7-series’ platform, the 8-series will measure in at over five meters longs. But despite its generous proportions, the sleek four-door should be rather svelte, thanks to its aluminum and carbon fiber construction.
A 6.0L V12 based on the M5’s V10 is rumored to be the 8-series’ top engine choice, according to Drive, although a twin-turbo V8 will likely be part of the mix.
No word on pricing, but the production CS should hit the market sometime in 2010.
However, the new 8-series is not being design by BMW. Instead, the German automaker has turned things over to its M-performance division – marking the first time a BMW vehicle has been completely developed by its famed in-house tuner.
But despite the M design, the 8-series will not be getting a specific M model. “It will take a couple of years [to get the CS to market],” BMW M president Ludwig Willisch told Drive. “The naming is not defined yet but it will not be an M car.”
Although there are no plans for an M8, the M division landed the project because the new car will be going up against the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera – the latter of which will likely be the best sports sedans on the market.
Despite its sporting aspirations, the new four-door won’t be compact by any stretch of the imagination. Riding on a modified version of the new 7-series’ platform, the 8-series will measure in at over five meters longs. But despite its generous proportions, the sleek four-door should be rather svelte, thanks to its aluminum and carbon fiber construction.
A 6.0L V12 based on the M5’s V10 is rumored to be the 8-series’ top engine choice, according to Drive, although a twin-turbo V8 will likely be part of the mix.
No word on pricing, but the production CS should hit the market sometime in 2010.
