Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
Earlier this year, it has been reported that BMW has trademarked various model names that belong to the 8 Series.
The E31 8 Series got discontinued 17 years ago, but it is still a topic for BMW enthusiasts and other car fans. For those that do not remember, the 8 Series was a GT that came at an unfavorable time, as some of its variants were among the most expensive cars in BMW’s offering at the moment, which led to poor sales and the eventual discontinuation of the lineup.
Fortunately for the owners that have been careful with their BMW 8 Series, the cars have begun to rise in value, and well-maintained examples with low mileages can fetch hefty sums.
Unlike other BMW models, including the 7 Series, the 8 Series has not been offered in an M version, even though the company did build a prototype of what was supposed to become the M8.
The 8 Series' fabulous V12 engine eventually powered the McLaren F1 in a slightly modified form, which has made many imagine what could have happened if BMW had launched the M8. Unfortunately for wealthy collectors, the M8 was never made, and BMW has no plans of selling the only prototype.
However, those with healthy finances can rest assured, as BMW might have an M8 on its mind for the future. As we reported this May, the German company has trademarked several model numbers in March, and they motivated the decision with “keeping tabs on badges for possible use in the future.”
Other automakers do this to retain the possibility of using a trademark over the years, if ever, but recent spyshots have made us wonder if the 8 Series is preparing a comeback.
A BMW coupe prototype was spotted some time ago by the spy photographers at SB-Medien. The car was too big to be a 6 Series Coupe, so it must be a mule for the next 8 Series.
Since BMW’s patent also included numbers like the 825 and the M8 designation, we do not think it is too hasty to discuss a possible performance version of the next 8 Series. Keep in thought that we would have to wait a few years for this model to reach showrooms, if it ever gets green-lighted by the company’s leaders.
If the M8 ever gets the approval for production, a V12 would be an interesting engine option, but it is unlikely to happen because of emissions regulations and weight constraints.
Instead, the V8 twin-turbo unit currently employed in the M6 could be beefed up even further to handle the demands of the performance version of the 8 Series.
Fortunately for the owners that have been careful with their BMW 8 Series, the cars have begun to rise in value, and well-maintained examples with low mileages can fetch hefty sums.
Unlike other BMW models, including the 7 Series, the 8 Series has not been offered in an M version, even though the company did build a prototype of what was supposed to become the M8.
The 8 Series' fabulous V12 engine eventually powered the McLaren F1 in a slightly modified form, which has made many imagine what could have happened if BMW had launched the M8. Unfortunately for wealthy collectors, the M8 was never made, and BMW has no plans of selling the only prototype.
However, those with healthy finances can rest assured, as BMW might have an M8 on its mind for the future. As we reported this May, the German company has trademarked several model numbers in March, and they motivated the decision with “keeping tabs on badges for possible use in the future.”
Other automakers do this to retain the possibility of using a trademark over the years, if ever, but recent spyshots have made us wonder if the 8 Series is preparing a comeback.
A BMW coupe prototype was spotted some time ago by the spy photographers at SB-Medien. The car was too big to be a 6 Series Coupe, so it must be a mule for the next 8 Series.
Since BMW’s patent also included numbers like the 825 and the M8 designation, we do not think it is too hasty to discuss a possible performance version of the next 8 Series. Keep in thought that we would have to wait a few years for this model to reach showrooms, if it ever gets green-lighted by the company’s leaders.
If the M8 ever gets the approval for production, a V12 would be an interesting engine option, but it is unlikely to happen because of emissions regulations and weight constraints.
Instead, the V8 twin-turbo unit currently employed in the M6 could be beefed up even further to handle the demands of the performance version of the 8 Series.
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