der Bayerische November/December 2020 - 31

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8

(Above) The 2020 M850i convertible (G14) is powered by a powered by a 523-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8.
produced 296 horsepower, delivered
in a silky-smooth fashion.
A weeklong, 1000-mile evaluation proved that BMW hit their target
market. Whether in La Jolla, Laguna
Beach, Beverley Hills, Pacific Coast
Highway, 17-mile Drive, Laguna
Seca, Silicon Valley, or San
Francisco, the E31 hit its mark as
an "Ultimate" Grand Tourer.
Consistent with its exotic
contemporaries, the E31 8 Series did
not participate in any professional
racing. This Grand Tourer's CADbased aerodynamic design (0.29
Cd), V-12 engine, a class-exclusive
6-speed manual shifter, and
BMW's "Ultimate Driving Machine"
reputation provided the performance
credentials to the target market.
However, the E31 8 Series was
not loved by the BMW "Ultimate
Driving Machine" faithful - the
3 Series and 5 Series owners. If you
dare mention the E31 8 Series to our
beloved Roundel editor, brace
yourself for an earful.
With the exception of making
available their famous 4.0-liter
naturally aspirated V-8 engine (the
M60B40), the E31 was unchanged
during its 10-year production span.

November I December

Without a freshening or a redesign,
the market interest in a $90,000
BMW Grand Tourer faded. After
1999, the E31 8 Series was
discontinued.

When the current generation
8 Series was launched at the 2017
Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW again
wanted to showcase the 8 as a
design and technology tour de force.

5

0

i

Based on the widely popular Concept
8, the G15 8 Series was designed to
evoke the feeling of perpetual motion.
Carbon core technology was
incorporated in the chassis with a
double wishbone suspension in the
front and a multi-link suspension in
the rear. GPS data is fed to the
transmission to determine the ideal
shift points. Sensor and camera data
is used to determine the most
appropriate operation of the engine
start-stop system.
BMW seemed determined to
show that the G15 8 Series has
"Ultimate
Driving
Machine"
credentials. Development for the G15
8 Series grand touring endurance
(GTE) race car began in 2016; its
debut was at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Since entering competition in 2018,
the vehicle has had three wins and
two poles, in addition to a number of
podium finishes.
However, the typical 8 Series
owner is as likely to participate in a
Track Day as the typical xDrive
vehicle owner is to participate in an
off-road adventure - they won't.

(Below) The 2020 M850i's interior abounds with pleasing contrasting colors and outstanding tactile surfaces.

31



der Bayerische November/December 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of der Bayerische November/December 2020

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der Bayerische November/December 2020 - intro
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der Bayerische November/December 2020 - Cover2
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