BMW 8-Series to be unveiled in 2012

2012 bmw 8-series side view

BMW has confirmed its plans of a new four-door coupe for 2012. Klaus Draeger, BMW’s R&D chief said that the new luxury car will be positioned alongside the 6-series in terms of pricing and technology.

It is still unclear, what badge it will take once it goes into production in 2012. A four-door version of the 6-Series or a totally new 8-Series are the most probable options.

2012 bmw 8-series front 3 quarter view

About the actual car, the new 8-Series based on the Concept Gran Coupe has its roof 100mm lower than the 7-Series. It will come with the same engine options currently offered by BMW while underpinnings are shared with the 5-Series, 7-Series and 5GT.

Draeger said a hybrid version was also possible. “We are in position to bring out an additional hybrid version since we are using the same powertrain architecture as the 5-, 6- or 7-series,” he said.

As well as testing the water for a BMW-built rival for the Audi A7, the Gran Coupé is intended to distill and concentrate BMW’s design values. As such, it’s likely to have a far-reaching influence throughout the styling of many of BMW’s future model lines.

2012 bmw 8-series rear 3 quarter view

That means we should expect to see the Gran Coupé’s long wheelbase, vaulted bonnet, shark nose, rearward set glasshouse, low silhouette and short front overhang become part of BMW’s trademark design language, as well as its asymmetrical kidney grille, wide frontal air intake and frameless doors.

“It’s true that the Gran Coupé points to a specific model, a saloon with the presence and elegance of a 7-series but a more dynamic, sporty character: much more of a driver’s car,” said BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk at the car’s launch in China earlier this year. “We’re convinced that we should make a car like this.”

Images and news courtesy: Autocar