Officials from BMW have rejected suggestions that the firm is pressing ahead with development of a new range-topping coupé with the 8-series badge.
BMW put the rumour mill into high gear with the unveiling of the Pininfarina-designed Gran Lusso concept at the recent Villa d’Este concours in Italy and the suggestion that it could bring the 8-series name back as a rival to the Bentley Continental GT.
However, R&D chief Herbert Diess told Autocar that it was too early to make a definitive call on whether it will see production. “The Gran Lusso concept was very well received,” he said. “We’re looking into the possibility of production, but a decision is still a way off.”
The contemporary four-seat Gran Lusso concept is based on a modified version of the same rear-drive platform that underpins the current 7-series.
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Not sure
Really not sure a Bentley customer would go for a BMW over a GT. No way as exclusive as the Bentley brand.
Well to be honest......!
No, no they don't need an 8 series,they've just recently launched GT cars and Grand turismo cars, what would they need the 8 series for?, to compete with whom?
Bring back an ultimate driving machine!
I disagree again, BMW doesn't need the 5GT and the 1GT, it's the wrong type of product for BMW in my opinion. With the introduction of the GT brand, i feel BMW have washed out their brand ethos of the ultimate driving machine (let's face it, neither the 1GT, 3GT, or 5GT are ever going to hold a candle to this ethos). BMW need's something like an 8 series with the looks of the Gran lusso and powerful engine to be able to reflect it's history, ethos, brand perception and market position. It would no doubt best showcase what the company can do by using the best design element, engines, materials, technology and it could rival the S class coupe, Jaguar XK, Bentley Contiental GT etc.
With the changes in EU legislation of average g/km of co2, i'm not suprised if it doesn't happen soon but BMW definently need this in the future.