BMW 8 (E31)

The BMW 8 Series (E31) debuted at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show as a grand tourer engineered to showcase the German manufacturer's top-tier design and technical capabilities. Positioned above the 6 Series coupe, the flagship model featured a wedge-shaped profile with pop-up headlights, a pillarless side window layout, and an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.29. 

​The E31 was among the first production cars designed using CAD software and incorporated advanced electronics, including a multiplex network and a multi-link rear suspension setup. Launching initially as the 850i with a 5.0-liter V12 engine paired with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the range expanded to include V8-powered 840 models and the performance-focused 850CSi. Developed with input from BMW Motorsport, the 850CSi brought a 5.6-liter V12 producing 375 horsepower, a manual gearbox, and active rear-axle steering. BMW produced just over 30,000 units before production ended in 1999.