The long wait for the return of the BMW 8 Series is over. The German automaker recently filed trademark applications on a number of 8 Series-related names, marking the first concrete step that BMW is planning to bring back the car it once referred to as its flagship model. Among the names that were trademarked with global intellectual property regulators include 825, 830, 835, 850, 845, 860, M850, and M8.
A source inside BMW confirmed to Auto Express that the trademark of these names are part of a bigger plan that also involves the 6 Series. Apparently, BMW is making a reshuffling of its GT lineup after identifying the 6 Series as the automaker’s official answer to both the Porsche 911 and the Mercedes-AMG GT. As such, the 6 will be developed to become a full-bred, two-seater sports car to compete against the 911 and AMG-GT, leaving a hole in the company’s lineup for a premium performance GT. That hole, it appears, will be filled up by the returning 8 Series.
Specific details about the 8 Series have yet to be revealed, but it does look like BMW will be going all-in on the new model with an assortment of different variants, including a range-topping version that will more or less morph into the M8. Look for this model to compete against the cream of the crop in the luxury-performance segment. That includes cars like the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe and the Bentley Continental GT.
Engine-wise, BMW can go a number of directions on what it wants the 8 Series to come with. The likely choice would the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that’s already in use by a number of M-badged models but don’t be surprised if the company also looks in the direction of the 7 Series’ V-12 engine. After all, the first iteration of the M8 was supposed to be powered by a V-12 before BMW decided on scrapping the project altogether because of a lack of interest from customers.
Rest assured, BMW’s customers are far more sophisticated than they’ve ever been and whatever perceived "lack of interest" in the 8 Series and the M8 is unlikely to be a problem now.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
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