Here's more proof BMW is working on a super-secret 8 Series

It's been close to 20 years since BMW produced the 8 Series, and since then rumors have persisted that the company was planning a replacement for the full-sized luxury coupe. We've seen concepts that possibly point to a new one, but the automaker has killed any talk of a future version. Based on these spy shots though, it seems the company is quietly working away.

The new 8 Series will be based on the 7 Series sedan, much like the 6 and 5 series are related. The new car is set to compete against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe. It's not clear which of BMW's turbocharged engines will power the new car, but BMW trademarked a number of model names, including M850 and M8. Because it's BMW, we can expect a convertible and a four-door 8 Series Gran Coupe to be on the table.

The photos show a car covered in typical test-vehicle camouflage, though BMW traits like the grille show through. The long roofline flows back, but not quite as far back as something like the 7 Series-based Rolls Royce Wraith. The car appears to have some semblance of a backseat, but it's difficult to tell how much room rear occupants will be afforded.

Around back, the camouflage does a good job of keeping details scarce. The taillights appear to be temporary testing units. The exhaust tips have a similar shape to the current 7 Series. This test mule was photographed in a lot before road testing, so it's unclear how far along in development the vehicle currently sits. Although BMW has been quiet on the subject of a new 8 Series, expect an official announcement sometime in the next few months.

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