Le Mans to the 8 Series - BMW Brings back the GT Coupe
admin Sat, 16 Jun 2018 MACHEENE | Report Abuse Le Mans to the 8 Series - BMW Brings back the GT Coupe
So in 2015, I read an article highlighting a partnership between BMW and Lexus, I thought to myself how odd is this commodity. What could BMW actually learn from Toyota/Lexus one was slated for the more sport-oriented crowd and mid to high-end luxury the other more of an old man's brand that is trying to get younger but with a staple in Toyota who is the lead in mass production for the 9-5 average joe (Thank You Toyota Camry). The partnership, however, highlighted things that a company that was mainly focused on mass production wouldn't necessarily consider part of the R&D lifecycle. Here is where things make sense if you could partner with the costs and learn from the success of Toyota/Lexus design comfortability and BMW dynamics there could be something special that could be used on platforms but still share the distinct German vs Japanese look.
Let's talk about companies that have made really large sums of money focused on Coupe's only... Porshe, Porshe, and Porshe. In the world of expensive mechanical goods, expected margins hover around 10-12%, however, Mr Porshe makes about 20K per vehicle according to news reports. The other guys like Ferrari, Lambo, if you wonder why the names are so catchy there basically a clothing brand, they make their money off of licensing similar to our current president, did you know he doesn't actually own any of those big towers he does, however, have a catchy name. Long story short it's not profitable and it doesn't pay the bills so that is how Japan interjected with Germany a reunion of the Axis powers.
Where did the relationship start so the Z4 and the Toyota Supra will have a lot in common if anyone has seen pic's of the new Z4 concept it's actually a work of art and probably BMW's most progressive work to date. Lexus hasn't released the Supra but the LC-F is a model that was meant to beat up the powerhouses at Aston Martin, Bentley, and the Benz S Class Coupe.... Fast forward to now, and we have a vehicle that has a similar stature I mean how else could a GT coupe look with the release of the new M850i.
BMW a strictly conservative shaker rarely goes out of PORSHE mode and keeping the evolution of there vehicles less risky more the same but with touches of additional masquera. Since Chris Bangle, the designer that BMW traditionalists wanted dead we haven't see BMW take a risk, well for BMW this is. You can see the Japanese riskiness in envisioning the future but still holding the same touches of the classic BMW lines aforementioned start with the Kidney Grille, its back BMW wants to make a statement, this is brand identity at the forefront. Staunch shoulders, low hung design, with slim window pillars, and the wide track that highlights there won't be any corners that you cannot tackle.
Weight saving wise this GT/Sports Car is 70lb lighter than to some will say its predecessor the BMW 6 Series. This vehicle will do something the 6 series couldn't with the more powerful 4.4L V8 engine pushing out 523 HP and 553lb of torque via the 8 Speed Tip Tronic all mated to an AWD system that will surely blow the doors off any M version of the 6 series in M850i form. The change to the engine includes new injectors that increase PSI from 2900 to 5076 PSI (that's pressure if you didn't know). No piped noises for this beast, BMW changed where the blow off valves are located to increase the psi pressure where air ducts allow for there to be pulsation (movement) while sitting still for immediate access to the power down low in the rev band where it counts. To add on to the new magic under the engine decision points is 8 Speed Tip Tronic that adds a few tricks to the party included an intelligent system that works with your navigation to understand the terrain and optimize the speeds based upon the terrain it thinks you may encumber. In addition in case the computer doesn't work it uses Camera's and Sensors for better indications to the where used that could turn over quickly due to the multi-clutch system.
Where all the money was spent...ahaaa....BMW returns the suspension of God's in the E39 makes its return how do I know whatever Cadillac mimicked from your E39 reapply....
- Double Wishbone Front, 5 Link Rear Suspension
- Detached rear axle optimizes stiffness and comfortability
- Separation of steering and damper functions
- Stiffer Springs (AKA the equalizer)
Interior appointments are beyond your traditional requirements, BMW is laying the plain down for a new direction one that focuses on a driver-focused cockpit, the seventh generation provides all the electronic aids and technology of a matured software. 12.3-inch screen maximizes the performance with haptic feedback on the controls for the touchscreen so that you know that you are doing something. To keep up with the digital time's cloud-based BMW connected system that enables the throwaway of the key for your cell phone as a key opener, even Alexa can talk to your new BMW.
In all a strong proposition, where only the strong survive so stay tuned for the battle at the M8 comes into full view.
