BMW has released a handful of images and some tasty footage of a “close-to-series prototype” version of its new 8 Series Coupé undergoing testing on a high-speed proving ground in Aprilia, Italy.
The Munich-based brand also dropped a shadowy teaser image (see below) showing the new flagship model – which was previewed by the BMW Concept 8 Series in May 2017 – from the rear. We expect this new model to be revealed later this year, with an M8 to follow.
BMW says the tests serve to “optimise the vehicle’s driving dynamics on surfaces with a high friction coefficient”. The images and video show a heavily camouflaged prototype being blasted round the 4 km oval circuit. There’s even an idea of the new model’s exhaust tone at the end of the clip (see below).
“The test drives under the most severe conditions show that we are right on target with our concept for the new BMW 8 Series Coupé,” said Klaus Fröhlich, member of the board responsible for development and research.
“The vehicle dynamics values already achieved are absolutely impressive. Our customers and fans can look forward to a genuine sportscar.”
