You know, I cannot make myself like the 747-8I. It is yet another re-engined 747, maybe with some new(er) avionics...so it certainly is not a new design. Boeing has been changing the engines and avionics (even wingtips) on all their planes for decades, so why is this new? I am open to being converted by the way. I just do not understand what all the fuss is about.
you do know the 747-800 is the longest aircraft now?

and that it has a bigger capacity then its predecesors?
And it has gizmos that you find in the 787, more efficient, and quieter
Yeah. Still is the same airframe. Mostly the same aerodynamics too. When you put a glass panel in a Vans RV-4, it is still a Vans RV-4. A Cessna 172 with glass and an engine with 10 more hp is still a 172. See, I just do not see it as anything new. It seems a "new" airliner today is something with new(er) engines and a plug added to the fuselage. Except for say the A380.
Maybe I am being too cynical??

Don't get me wrong, the 747 is an awesome aircraft that has its place in aviation history. As an aero engineer student I am compelled to admire it, I just do not get all the fuss over it.