1997 BMW 840Ci

Jaws dropped when BMW unveiled its 8-Series coupe to the world - a car that combined traditional BMW styling cues within a state of the art design. The shape itself is characterized by the smooth rounded contours of the stretched bonnet, fluid transition between surfaces and high waistline rising towards the compact rear end. There's no doubting the 8-Series is a seductive shape. Add BMW's Sport pack to the equation and the look is further enhanced by a deep front air dam, rear apron diffuser and "M" style exterior door mirrors.
The engine is as impressive as the car's looks. A lightweight aluminum 4.4 litre, 32 valve eight cylinder thrums underneath the hood, giving the BMW extraordinary levels of torque and power. Mated to the smooth engine is a five speed automatic gearbox which features BMW's Intelligent Adaptive Gearbox System (AGS). AGS reads the road, learns its drivers requirements and adapts its behavior to suit. For even greater flexibility, the gearbox is equipped with BMW's Steptronic Control with which the driver can trigger up changes by moving the gear lever forward and down changes by pulling it backwards. Standard features include automatic Stability and Traction Control (ASC+T) which guarantees safe handling by preventing the driven wheels spinning on ice or snow, while the suspension employs electronically adjustable dampers which allow the driver to switch between sports or comfort handling.
Other unique features for its day:
• Steering wheel and chair electronically adjusted and saved. Up to 3 different drivers can save their preferred-riding position settings.
• Actuator-tilted side mirrors angle down as the car is put in reverse to give the driver enhanced rear-view.
• No B-pillar.
• Sun Roof.
• Heated Seats.
• High-tech climate control system.
• Pop-up headlights.
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
• Not the secret, one-off, 550bhp V12. Sorry guys, keep looking.