AutosBMW's "Goldfish" resurfaces: The V16 sedan secret revealed

BMW's "Goldfish" resurfaces: The V16 sedan secret revealed

"Goldfish" ranks among the most audacious endeavors in BMW's storied history. Intriguingly, it has been revealed that the German automaker crafted not just one but multiple iterations of this project. The second, more polished version emerged over three decades later.

BMW V16 Goldfish

Images source: © Press materials | BMW

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6:57 AM EDT, April 6, 2024

In 1987, Adolf Fischer, tasked with overseeing engine development at BMW, embarked on a clandestine mission to craft a V16 engine for a high-end sedan. This was no mean feat, considering the starting point was a V12 engine, which they ambitiously extended by adding four more cylinders.

Once this Herculean task was achieved, the engineers faced an even more daunting challenge: mounting an engine that weighed over 660 pounds into a vehicle. The vehicle of choice was a BMW 7 Series E32. The vision was to create a unique luxury sedan to meet the highest standards of the most exacting customers. Ultimately, however, this ambitious project was shelved.

Fast forward to just a few days ago, over three decades since the inception of the first "Goldfish," it was discovered that the journey didn't end there; a second prototype had been silently waiting in the wings. Crafted in 1990, this successor was designed from the ground up, distinct from its forerunner.

This iteration wasn't just a testbed for the V16 engine. It also served as a precursor to the next generation of the BMW 7 Series. Its design cues bear a striking resemblance to the E38 model, which wouldn't make its debut until 1994.

The second "Goldfish" rectified many of the issues that plagued the original. One significant improvement was relocating the cooling system from the trunk to beneath the hood. However, this adjustment resulted in an exceptionally long engine bay that awkwardly altered the vehicle's proportions.

Like its predecessor, this prototype's fate was to be consigned to the shadows of a warehouse, hidden away until now. BMW has at last opted to unveil its existence, sharing a trove of photos and details about the car. It's currently the centerpiece of the Techno Classica show in Essen, where it's being showcased for all to see.