Jalopnik: BMW CS

BMW M-Division Working On New 8-Series

Mark Arnold — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:20:00 EDT

As has been expected for some time, BMW is indeed working on a new 8-Series to sit atop the BMW range. Expected to look much like the CS Concept, the coupe-shaped sedan is now reportedly being developed by BMW's special M-division. After all, the 8-Series will be going up against the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. But don't expect to see it wearing the tri-color 'M' badge. In an interview with Drive.com.au, BMW M president Ludwig Willisch explained: “It’s a car that doesn’t have any resemblance to the other cars built by BMW AG, so it was decided to give the project to us.”

Interesting he should claim it "doesn’t have any resemblance to the other cars," because most are suggesting the car will be at least somewhat based on the chassis of the new 2009 BMW 7-Series. Though the powerplant is still a mystery, everything from a 550 HP 6.0-liter V12 based on the M5's V10, to the next generation M5's alleged twin-turbo V8 has been suspected. Either way, we won't be seeing the 8-Series on the road for at least a couple years still.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: It's good to see BMW's M-division developing an actual car in addition to the rumored X5 and X6 M-models. However, this new 8-Series is nothing like the original coupe from the '90s. That first car was a spiritual successor to the E24 6-Series, but this new car doesn't hearken back to anything. [Drive via MotorAuthority]

2009 BMW 7-Series Testing Artsy Camo

Mark Arnold — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EDT

We've seen BMW's 2009 7-series in this sort of trippy camo before, but this time the Bavarians to have toned it down a couple notches. Though we are kind of disappointed this tester isn't equipped with the Flowbee package. Look past the swirly camouflage and you can see the car has a crisper, sharper look compared to the current model. As expected, there appears to be a degree of styling influence from BMW's CS Concept. Of course we'll have to wait for the Paris Auto Show, where this new 7-Series is expected to be revealed, to see how it really looks.
[AutoZeitung]

2009 BMW 7-Series

Mark Arnold — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

Only lightly camouflaged compared to prior spy photos of the new BMW 7-Series, this newly-caught 7-Series peeked out during what was allegedly a marketing team photo shoot in Melbourne, Australia. Thanks to the shots from CarPoint.com.au, you can see the new grille looks to have a strong resemblance to the CS Concept from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. We've been told the styling of the new big BMW has a totally different feeling than the current E65 model, making the car look visually slimmer and tighter. We'll have to see that to believe it given the current explosion in weight and size of every automaker's new models. Expect the new 7er to be officially unveiled no sooner than the Paris Motor Show this fall. [CarPoint.com.au]