MICHAEL GAUTHIER wrote:BMW has uncovered the new 8-Series concept, ahead of its debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
Designed to preview the 8-Series Coupe, the concept is a "luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury."
Looking far more athletic than the Gran Lusso Coupe, the 8-Series concept is a stylish two-door model which features an aggressive front fascia with a large twin-kidney grille. The car has also been equipped with a carbon fiber front splitter, laser headlights, and massive air intakes.
Moving further back, we can see a long hood, flowing bodywork, and 21-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The concept also has front fender vents, muscular rear wheel arches, and a sporty roofline. Other highlights include a carbon fiber rear diffuser that is flanked by a dual exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes.
The interior is a bit of a departure from traditional BMWs as it adopts a minimalist design with a driver focused layout. As part of this focus, the company installed exclusive sports seats with a carbon-fiber shell and the "finest leather" upholstery. There's also a custom steering wheel with hand-polished aluminum spokes and red-anodized shift paddles. We can also see a digital instrument cluster, an iDrive display, and plenty of carbon fiber trim.
BMW declined to say what powers the concept but the production model will arrive next year and trademark applications suggest it will be equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, and the turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 from the M760Li xDrive.
According to BMW Chairman Harald Krüger, "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 luxury class.”
