Manufacturer release | AFTER EIGHTS

After two decades under wraps, there’s a new BMW 8-series on the way.

So the Bavarian sculptors are at it again – with the welcome announcement of the imminent release of their brand animal, the new 8-series! By the manufacturer’s own admission (and, ahem, “standard perceptions”) the first models, while more-than-effective performance coupes, were also technological clotheshorses (a bit like the Mercedes S-Class?), almost an exercise in motoring Narcissus. The build run lasted a decade – from 1988 to 1998, in which time they ‘’sold’’ 30,000 units; which is not a good return for the investment. The new version is a totally different player, designed to go head-to-head with the likes of the eqv Porsche 911 or those Murkier AMGs. Put it this way: a 4.4 litre V8 petrol plant producing 520bhp migh’nt keep up with the Porsche to 60mph (3.7 seconds for the Beamer; 3.1 seconds for the 911). But it’s “cheaper” AND there are “more impressive” versions on the way. Expect sheer driving pleasure, presumably greater than the sum of its parts: gulp…