Segments are a distorted aspect today. Body styles are merging and the lines between them blurring. And BMW is one car maker who has fearlessly treaded almost every possible path.
From a Sports Activity Coupé to separating their two-doors from their four-doors, BMW have a product in almost every imaginable segment, even creating new ones altogether. With the X6, its actual reception doesn’t do justice to the vision the company had; combining an SUV, a four-door and a coupé design isn’t the easiest thing to do. Yes, the X6 had its strengths, but it also had its shortcomings.
Moving on to sports cars, BMW has the Z4, the 6 Series and their M-division offerings. Where then would a possible rebirth of a legendary sports car fit into their current line-up? BMW have just showcased their one-off Gran Lusso Coupé and, immediately, it was touted by many to be the next 8 Series. And it can be. But how would it be positioned? What sort of power output would enthusiasts and collectors alike be expecting? An 8 Series would, in this day and age, be expected to sport a big V12 engine with about 600 PS. BMW can do it. The question is, will they?
The Gran Lusso Coupé has been designed by Pininfarina. Enough said? It is every bit the modern car, but at the same time, its design may bring thoughts of the 850i from 1990 to many minds. BMW have a range of engine to choose from. Their 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 offering 560-575PS may be the jewel in the M-division’s crown, but BMW also have a 6.0-litre, twin-turbo V12 in their 760Li. They have the ability and the technology to create a high-revving, supercar-dismissing V12 performance engine which would also tick all the necessary boxes for the green brigade, if they see fit. There’s no doubt that the M6 is not their ultimate assault tool. They are indeed capable of better in an automotive world hamstrung by emission and efficiency requirements. However, if they decide to pull something out of Munich’s hat, this would be what shows up.
