The all-new BMW 8 Series was revealed in coupe form
not too long ago but we already know that there are two other body styles – a
convertible and four-door – that will be introduced later on. New patents filed
with the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property give us some idea
what the drop-top 8 Series and Gran Coupe variant might look like.
The convertible is almost identical to the coupe
aside from its retractable soft top, which isn’t much of a surprise given what
we’ve seen in previous spyshots. Adjustments to accommodate the folding roof
will include a redesigned rear deck so the roof has somewhere to park itself
while still offering some boot space. This could affect rear passenger space as
a result, while other changes include relocating the third brake light to the
boot lid lip spoiler.
As for the 8 Series Gran Coupe, we’ve been shown a
preview of it earlier this year with the Concept M8 Gran Coupe. The front mirrors that of the coupe and convertible, albeit with an additional
slat on each of the corner inlets on the non-M Sport bumper.
The patent image shares a lot in common
with a rendering posted by us just a few days ago, although the rear window
appears to a little less rakish from the patent’s angle of view. As the more
practical version of the 8 Series, an slightly extended wheelbase and interior
space is to be expected.
In terms of engines, these new variants should share
the same options as the 8 Series Coupe, including a 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged
straight-six (320 PS and 680 Nm) and 4.4 litre biturbo petrol V8 (530 PS and
750 Nm).
