09/05/2008, 10:22 AM
BMW News
BMW’s M division designing production CS, set to revive 8-series nameplate
BMW’s early ‘90s 8-series was a striking two-door coupe, so it only seems fitting that BMW plans to revive the 8-series nameplate on a new four-door coupe. According to a new report, BMW is currently working on a road-going version of the Concept CS (Gran Turismo) that will wear the 8-series nameplate in production guise.
However, the new 8-series is not being design by BMW. Instead, the German automaker has turned things over to its M-performance division – marking the first time a BMW vehicle has been completely developed by its famed in-house tuner.
But despite the M design, the 8-series will not be getting a specific M model. “It will take a couple of years [to get the CS to market],” BMW M president Ludwig Willisch told Drive. “The naming is not defined yet but it will not be an M car.”
Although there are no plans for an M8, the M division landed the project because the new car will be going up against the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera – the latter of which will likely be the best sports sedans on the market.
Despite its sporting aspirations, the new four-door won’t be compact by any stretch of the imagination. Riding on a modified version of the new 7-series’ platform, the 8-series will measure in at over five meters longs. But despite its generous proportions, the sleek four-door should be rather svelte, thanks to its aluminum and carbon fiber construction.
A 6.0L V12 based on the M5’s V10 is rumored to be the 8-series’ top engine choice, according to Drive, although a twin-turbo V8 will likely be part of the mix.
No word on pricing, but the production CS should hit the market sometime in 2010.
09/05, 10:47 AM
posted by:
carbonsigma
I’ve seen this car in the metal, and it’s a helluva lot bigger than the Merc CLS.
Good to see BMW is also working on cars, not just stupid mutations.
09/05, 10:47 AM
posted by:
Bimmer
I hope this time around world will see actual ///M8 and hopefully it will be available with twin-turbo Diesel, perhaps a new 4-liter unit or old 3-liter.
09/05, 11:50 AM
posted by:
92GTA
“BMW’s early ‘90s 8-series was a striking two-door coupe, so it only seems fitting that BMW plans to revive the 8-series nameplate on a new four-door coupe.”
WTF sense does that possibly make?!
09/05, 12:44 PM
posted by:
WEKS
The original 8 was awesome, the true king of the Autobahn.
09/05, 1:07 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Does this mean Chris Bangle will have nothing to with it? If so, the odds of it being the best looking BMW in the last decade have just increased dramatically.
09/05, 1:30 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
CS does NOT mean Gran Turismo, LLN.
09/05, 2:29 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Tow truck drivers and repair shops rejoice.
09/05, 3:08 PM
posted by:
bleenky
If Chris Bangle doesn’t have anything to do with this car, then johnnycanuck is right. It has the possibility to be the best looking BMW since the E46 M3 rolled out.
09/05, 4:45 PM
posted by:
speedemon
09/05, 2:29 PMposted by:Need more oil for GM
Tow truck drivers and repair shops rejoice.
they already are too busy with towing American cars idiot!
09/05, 5:07 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
I agree
haha
09/05, 5:11 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
Here we go again…another one of BMWs indenticle 50 modles, named with scatterd numbers and letters..
09/05, 5:44 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
They need something to go up against the CLS. Why not, I’m sure it’ll be a breath of fresh air. BMW can do no wrong, other than their bloody pricing. That and the X3.
09/06, 1:13 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
“Here we go again…another one of BMW’s identical 50 models, named with scattered numbers and letters..”
By VWgrouP
I have to agree I’m not really sure why they think they need a higher model than the Big Dawg 7. Especially if that model would just be another 4dr sedan. And isn’t the 6-series the replacement for what was the 850 coupe and early 635 coupe models.
09/07, 11:59 PM
posted by:
Lau
Why can’t automakers just make things simple? BMW has what, 5 different series now? Just make 1 base for each one and let people put on options, make a diesel, cabriolet, MAYBE a touring and make an M for each of them. Thats only what, 20 diff models? compared to their gazillion models they already have…
09/08, 9:40 AM
posted by:
snoboardguy21
BMW has exactly 25 models right now. While I agree that’s too many, it’s hardly “a gazillion.” Lau, your description sounds like exactly what they have now.
And I will never understand why so many people have such a hard time with the BMW naming scheme. it’s 3 numbers. The first being the “series” or in other words, the size. 1, 3, 5, 6, 7. The second two numbers are the displacement of the engine. What’s so hard about that? It makes more sense than Mercedes crazy names, and I find it easier to remember than the letters Lexus uses. How am I supposed to remember what order they go in? GS, LS, IS, SC, RX… much more confusing than number in order.
09/08, 9:55 AM
posted by:
nkay
oohhh. not sure about that face…im sure its got a great personality but first impressions arent looking so hot. anyways lets see how it plays out.
11/09, 1:47 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
One of my first crushes was the 850i.
Bring it back, I say