- BMW will use Monterey Car Week to introduce a special 8-Series.
- The company isn’t saying much, but it sounds like a sendoff.
- BMW will also celebrate the North American debut of the M2 CS.
Monterey Car Week is less than two weeks away and BMW will be using the event to introduce a limited edition 8-Series. The mysterious model will debut on August 14 at 10:15 PM Eastern Time.
BMW isn’t saying much about the car at this point, but they went down memory lane noting the second-generation 8-Series was introduced in the summer of 2018 and its lineup grew to include a Coupe, Convertible, Gran Coupe, and high-performance M8. The automaker also noted the car’s racing pedigree, which includes class wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
More: BMW M8 Coupe Reportedly Getting The Axe
All of this suggests BMW is preparing to say farewell to the 8-Series. Previous reports have suggested the coupe and convertible were on the chopping block, and that’s not surprising given lackluster sales. Mercedes has also eliminated its own S-Class Coupe and Convertible, leaving the 8-Series as a bit of an oddity.
While the car’s fate remains to be seen, previous reports have suggested the special edition will be based on the M850i. It features a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque.
Besides the special edition, BMW will stage the North American debut of the M2 CS at Legends of the Autobahn. That’s a fitting place as the coupe recently became the “fastest compact car” on the Green Hell with a time of 7:25.5.
As a refresher, the M2 CS starts at $98,600 and has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six developing 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 479 lb-ft (649 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, before topping out at 188 mph (303 km/h).
Buyers will also find a host of carbon fiber components that enable the model to weigh 97 lbs (44 kg) less than an M2 equipped with an automatic transmission. Besides being lighter, the car has a lowered suspension with unique springs and dampers. They’re joined by model-specific engine mounts, M compound brakes, and a revised M Sport differential – among other things.
A handful of other vehicles will also be on display including multiple race cars at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Furthermore, two art cars will be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance including the M1 by Andy Warhol.
