Last month at the Beijing Auto Show->ke2062, BMW unveiled the Concept Gran Coupe - a five-meter, four-door, couple-like saloon that previews the 2012 8-Series. The production version will compete with models like the Maserati Quattroporte->ke336, the Audi A7->ke1687, and the Porsche Panamera->ke1840.

"It’s true that the Gran Coupe points to a specific model, a saloon with the presence and elegance of a 7-series but a more dynamic, sporty character: much more of a driver’s car. We’re convinced that we should make a car like this."

That car will end up being the 2012 8-Series and will share the same platform as the current 5-series->ke317, 7-series->ke323, and 5 G. It will be offered with the same mix of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The stylings of the 2012 BMW 8-series will follow the Concept Gran Coupe's which would leave it with the same long wheelbase, vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, set-back greenhouse, flat silhouette and coupe-style roof line.

We guess BMW might be giving us the proverbial finger considering we never thought this concept's production version would ever see the light of day. We could still be right, but we hope we're wrong.

2012 BMW 8-Series

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 BMW 8-Series

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