BMW 850i Coupe and Cabriolet Photographed on the Track
The BMW 8 Series is still under development, with spy photographers catching what are believed to be 850i Coupe and Cabriolet models testing at the Nurburgring.
As we know, the 8 Series will ride on BMW’s new mixed material ‘Cluster Rear Architecture’ (CLAR), which currently serves in the 7 Series sedan. The platform is plenty stiff, so the cabriolet version of the large two-door shouldn’t require much reinforcement, if any at all.
BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 is expected to power both the 850i and the more performance-focused M8. In the 850i, the engine will probably be making about 450 hp. The M8, however, should have at least the same amount of power as the 2018 BMW M5, which makes a significant 560 hp.
SEE ALSO: BMW Shows Off its Snazzy New Digital Instrument Display
We’re expecting things to be pretty straightforward inside and would be surprised if the 8 Series cabin was a large departure from the current 5 Series or M5. There is one new feature that you should expect, though. BMW showed off its new digital gauge cluster display and revised iDrive infotainment system this week, which will likely appear in the 8 Series before trickling down through the BMW product portfolio.
Look for the BMW 8 Series to make its official debut later this year. The folks in Bavaria are really taking their time with this one, aren’t they?
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Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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