Expect the new 8 Series to go on sale globally in the last quarter of 2018. India launch is speculated sometime in 2019.
Closer to its final reveal, BMW has teased a camouflaged 8 Series prototype undergoing endurance tests on a proving ground in Aprilia, Italy. The company has also teased a glimpse of the upcoming coupe's curvy rear-end.
The tests being done serve in particular to optimise the upcoming flagship coupe’s driving dynamics on surfaces with a high friction coefficient. While the test drives are being carried out with a heavily camouflaged prototype, it nevertheless gives a strong indication of the 8 Series’ typical sports car proportions - which remain mostly identical to the concept version showcased last year.
BMW claims that the new coupe will have a high dynamic potential, resulting from a close connection between motorsports and series production. The new 8 Series is being developed parallel to and in close coordination with the BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE racing car.
Whilst the prototype of the production model is undergoing endurance tests, the teams, which are supported by BMW Motorsport, are currently preparing in Daytona, USA, for the initial racetrack use of the BMW M8 GTE. The knowledge gained there and at numerous other racing events will directly benefit series development of the new 8 Series.
BMW is in the process of shuffling its lineup, and the upcoming 8 Series coupe will not only be the German company’s new flagship, but will also indirectly replace the 6 Series coupe. The 6 Series will now represent the 6 GT - replacement for the 5 Series GT.
It is still unknown what motor will feed firepower to the new Bimmer flagship. However, rumours strongly point towards an insanely powerful derivative of the latest M5’s 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol, or if BMW is at it - even the V12 from 760Li - to properly justify that new flagship moniker. More details are expected to be released closer to the car’s final reveal.
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