The 8 Series Returns! BMW Plans Lineup Shakeup to Combat Rivals
BMW plans to re-introduce the range-topping 8 Series in order to battle its German competition, a report says.
A company insider confirmed to Auto Express that the ultra-luxury two-door, which originally ran from 1989 to 1999, will return to the lineup.
As part of a planned shuffle of its GT vehicles, the 6 Series will go head-to-head against the Porsche 911, losing its mainstream layout and adopting a traditional grand tourer personality. That image swap will likely see the 6 Series lose its backseat.
What prodded BMW in this direction? Thank Mercedes-Benz, which blanketed the automotive landscape with an entry in every category and class. The boys from Bavaria aren’t happy about this, and plan to fight the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and S63 on their own turf.
Earlier this spring, BMW filed trademark applications to gain control of 8 Series nameplates. The automaker sought the 825, 830, 835, 845, 850, M850 and M8 model names, but it wasn’t known until now whether they planned to do anything with them.
The original 8 Series drew power from a range of V8 and V12 engines. BMW can easily source the powerplants from its own model lines, with the 7 Series’ twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 (borrowed from the Rolls-Royce Ghost) available for exclusivity.
The company source didn’t say when exactly the 8 Series would reappear, but did mention that the lineup shuffle is “imminent.”
[Image: Shane K/ Flickr]
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If there's one thing BMW needs, it's more cars in its lineup. While we're at it, can we get a new 0 and 9-series, too? And those should each come in a sedan, two-door, GT, convertible, X, and M configurations please.
An 8 series is not enough. They'll need an 11. "The numbers all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven and..."
I am really glad that investment bankers, CEOs, and venture capitalists are now going to have a whole lot of new toys to play with as well as buy for their kids. Let's celebrate!
"losing its mainstream layout and adopting a traditional grand tourer personality." Is it not a GT now??