BMW Teases 'Mystery Sedan' Prior to Geneva Debut
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]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Here’s a concept: make a car that is designed to last for more than 50k miles.
About time they made a car that looks sleek and suggestive