Remember the long n’ loverly CS Concept BMW cranked out last year? Turns out the company plans on bringing that car to production as the new 8-Series. Set to compete with all the “4-door coupes” being bandied about these days (Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide), the car should be the epitome of BMW engineering. The new 8 is still several years out as far as production goes, but design is completely in the M Division’s hands right now and heavily based on ye olde CS concept (above). We’re pretty sure that’s bound to be a good thing. Details are still a little fuzzy, but odds are the big rig will share components with the 7-Series, save for the power plant. Up front, there’s the possibility of a 500+ horse 6.0-liter V12 (probably grafted from the upcoming “Baby Rolls“). But don’t be surprised to see the current M5’s V10, or even the next M5’s twin-turbo V8. Any way you slice it — Mmmmmm…. power. Just don’t expect it to be called an M8 — even if it actually is. Can’t wait for the comparo on these four-doors. [MotorAuthority]
Posted By: Zach Bowman | 2 Comments »
Tags: 2010 Porsche Panamera 8-Series Aston Martin Aston Martin Rapide BMW 8-Series BMW CS Concept M division M8 Panamera porsche Rapide Turbo Twin-Turbo V10 V12
Between the Panamera, Rapide and the CS, I would take the CS or Rapide. The Panamera is a distant 3rd. I am a big BMW fan and I love the look of the CS but there is something about an Aston Martin that just draws you in.
I’m with you. There’s something almost misshapen about the Panamera, but the Rapide’s classic nose and the CS’s gorgeous lines are meant to be. Still, Porsche surprised the crap out of me with how well they did with the Cayenne. Maybe the Panamera will be just as astounding.