8 Series will get M model

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there are many clues here as BMW readily admits.

Riding on 21-inch alloys, the Concept 8 Series has that characteristic long bonnet and rearward flowing roofline, as well as broad and muscular shoulders, pierced by long L-shaped taillights. The front end flaunts slim laser headlights and a particularly large interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille.

BMW says it aimed for a sportscar-like ambience in the cabin, with a compartmental design and carbon-fibre shell seats, but designers also added some classy touches such as the iDrive controller made from Swarovski glass and enough high-quality leather to start its own cattle farm.

More details on the production coupé will emerge in 2018, and a convertible version is also well within the realm of possibility for further down the line.

BMW also showed off the M8 version in prototype form, albeit fully camouflaged.

Revealed on the Nürburgring ahead of last weekend’s 24-hour race, the working prototype shows us the new 8’s basic silhouette, broad shoulders and large kidney grille. In keeping with its M status, the most potent 8 Series will have larger air intakes and a sports exhaust system with four tailpipes.

BMW remains secretive about what’s under the bonnet, but an educated guess is that it’ll get a modified version of the next M5’s twin-turbo V8, while also borrowing its sibling’s new all-wheel drive system. BMW’s motorsport division is also developing an M8 GTE race car to spearhead the company’s return to Le Mans. The GTE is expected to make its race debut at the Daytona 24 Hours in January next year.

- IOL Motoring