Earlier today, BMW posted an image of an upcoming concept sedan that left us scratching our heads. With its ultra-low roofline and incredibly long hood, we wondered if someone in the company drafted a redux of the BMW CS Concept. As it turns out, that’s kind of what happened.
If you remember, the CS Concept was unveiled in 2007 as BMW’s new flagship sedan — basically a new 8 Series with four doors. However, the global economy fell directly into the toilet the following year and destroyed any hope of it becoming a reality. A decade later, rich people are richer than ever and BMW has already confirmed its Concept 8 Series coupe will begin production in 2018. Based on visual cues, the above rendering appears to show us the sedan variant of that vehicle.
We’re not alone in thinking this either, BMW Blog claims the show car has already been dubbed the M8 Concept Gran Coupe and will eventually enter production as the “practical” alternative to the twin-doored 8 Series. The working theory is that 8 Series sedans will come equipped with a gentle 4.4-liter biturbo V8 and an eight-speed automatic. However, the rumor mill suspects the M760Li’s 6.6-liter V12 will also eventually find its way over.
Regardless of engine, you’ll see stupid amounts of horsepower — with even the most pedestrian powerplant likely pushing 600-plus horsepower.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. We’ve yet to establish if this is, in fact, the Concept Gran Coupe that has been whispered about on automotive forums for the last year. But how could it be anything else? Look at the shape of the C-pillar; look at the sporty hindquarters; look at the ridiculously long hood. That thing is just begging for a juicy twin-turbocharged V12 beneath the bonnet.
Whatever it is, (it’s the M8 Concept Gran Coupe) BMW says there will be “more to come in Geneva next week.” Whether or not that translates into a physical manifestation cropping up at the motor show remains to be seen. The image is tweaked to a point where we don’t know if we’re looking at a doctored image of a real car or a digital rendering. Either way, you won’t be able to wear a hat inside it.
[Image: BMW Group]
So BMW is making replicas of the Aston Martin Rapide?
We could dream…..
There have been worse ideas than that.
Is BMW building a EV to take on the stumbling and bumbling Teslas?
Porsche are also coming out with a nice looking EV.
Tesla might lose out completely.
Here’s a concept: make a car that is designed to last for more than 50k miles.
…And that’s some sort of driving machine. As in, for drivers. Rather than a runflat and slush box equipped, overweight, turbo-dulled bore.
About time they made a car that looks sleek and suggestive
Yeah, I’m getting tired of those Model 2002 rooflines too. Who needs all that glass?
Take that back! One of my favorite features of the many BMWs I’ve owned has been an upright seating position and the ability to see out of the thing.