NEW 8 SERIES COUPE TOPS OUT AT 530 HORSEPOWER

BMW finally took the covers off its new 8 Series Coupe mid-June, revealing a stylish two-door available — at least in Europe — with a straight-six diesel or a twin-turbo V8. Fitted standard with xDrive AWD and an eight-speed automatic, the 8 Series will nail 100 km/h from zero in 3.7 seconds in M850i trim with the 530-horsepower V8 and launch control, or 4.9 seconds with the 320-hp (and 501-pound-feet-of-torque) 3.0-litre diesel in the 840d. The automaker is keeping the weight down with aluminum and carbon-fibre, and uses active chassis tech and rear-wheel steering to keep the car well-balanced in terms of handling and the 20-inch wheels pointed where you want them. The 8 Series Coupe is wider and lower than its chief rival, the MercedesBenz S-Class Coupe, aiming for the sportier side of the GT segment.