Rumors are abound for a large GT coupe from Munich’s finest as a successor to the beloved, cult-followed 8-Series from the late 1980s and 1990s. Ever since the BMW 6-Series was revitalized for the market in the mid-2000s, BMW enthusiasts always pondered about the idea of a successor to one of BMW’s most iconic models.
In the past, BMW once denied any return of the 8-Series because their belief was that the new 6-Series fulfills the mission of a large GT coupe from the Roundel. But recently, some hints and suggestions began surfacing, implying BMW was keen on revisiting the idea of building an even larger coupe to sit above the 6-Series, despite continuous denial of an 8er revival. This is especially apparent when BMW’s key rival, Mercedes-Benz, has been trotting along with their S-Class based-coupe, the CL-Class, now renamed to be the S-Class Coupe (as it should be).
BMW also produced the Gran Lusso Coupe Concept in 2013, in partnership with world-renowned design firm, Pininfarina. This further solidified BMW’s interest in possibly building a large coupe to succeed the 8-Series.
With this market clearly showing signs of growth, BMW may consider the project further, as reported by German publication, AutoZeitung. Though this time, it’s rumored to be called a 9-Series Coupe, which wouldn’t make sense considering BMW firmly established that all coupe models will be represented by even numbers with their confusing new nomenclature. Hence, the reason why the BMW 3-Series Coupe and Cabriolet are now the 4-Series, and the past 1-Series Coupe and Cabrio are the new 2-Series models.
Additionally, when the BMW 4-Series was introduced, BMW in some ways subtly suggested the 8-Series was going to make a comeback in its press release for the 4-Series, by saying: “At the same time, as a true BMW Coupe, the new nomenclature brings the new BMW 4 Series Coupe in line with the larger 6 Series and 8 Series Coupes.”
Alternatively, this new 9-Series could still be a larger four-door coupe, in an attempt to be a larger version of the 6-Series GranCoupe. Though, we don’t know how much bigger the GranCoupe could get since the 6-Series GranCoupe is already pretty monstrous. This would however make the possibility of the “9-Series” nameplate a little more sensible.
Either way, rumors for this new 9-Series say the chassis will be based off of the new CFRB tub being built and developed for the next-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom with looks being inspired by the Vision Future Luxury Concept. Power may be supplied by BMW’s traditional 3.0L gas and diesel inline-six, with a more powerful 4.4L turbocharged V8 available with a possible hybrid version.
– By: Chris Chin
Source:
Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1j9y0HX
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