BMW has confirmed that the new 8 Series coupe production has commenced at the BMW plant at Dingolfing in Germany.
The manufacturing process will include a large number of digital innovations such as self-driving transport systems and smart devices for fast and accurate vehicle production.
Production of the 8 Series coupe is not the first foray into digitalisation of logistics and production processes at Dingolfing though as a number of technologies are already used.
These include mobile computer technologies worn by staff such as an ‘exotics alarm’ which uses a vibrating alarm to alert staff to a non-standard car requiring special attention.
Virtual reality glasses were also used for the first time to train assembly staff and familiarise them with the new model and correct fitment process prior to production increasing.
The car itself also employs many 21st century materials for its lightweight construction with a mix of steel, plastic, aluminium and carbon fibre used for the car’s body. The roof, doors, bonnet and front firewall are also made from aluminium.
For the first time in a series-production BMW model, a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof is also available which is manufactured on site at the Dingolfing via a wet-pressing process.
At launch, two engine choices will be available; a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 developing 390kW/750Nm and a 3.0-litre 235kW/680Nm turbo-diesel engine.
The BMW 8 Series coupe is assembled alongside the 5 Series and 7 Series models which utilise similar production lines, the latter of which shares the same platform with the new car.
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