Earlier this month on the Goodwood Competition of Velocity, BMW M boss Frank van Meel introduced {that a} special-edition 8 Collection would debut later this 12 months. Because it seems, we received’t have to attend for much longer. The world premiere is scheduled for August at Pebble Seaside throughout Monterey Automotive Week.
That’s all BMW is keen to share for now about what it describes as a “particular, limited-edition automotive.” Now comes the hypothesis. Logic suggests it received’t be primarily based on the M8 Coupe. Why? The F92 was discontinued within the U.S. a number of months in the past.
BMW refers to it as an 8 Collection moderately than an M8, which could lead some to consider it’s a normal G14, G15, or G16 mannequin. Nevertheless, the truth that Frank van Meel talked about the automotive strongly implies some M-ness baked in. We’ll have to attend and see whether or not the mayor of M City was hinting at an M850i. If not, he probably meant the M8 Convertible or M8 Gran Cup. Each the F91 and F93 are nonetheless accessible within the U.S.
The press launch additionally features a temporary recap of the second-generation 8 Collection in North America. It launched in the summertime of 2018 because the V8-powered M850iadopted by the entry-level six-cylinder 840i fashions and the M8 for the 2020 mannequin 12 months. With BMW revisiting the historical past of the 8er, we are able to’t assist however ponder whether this particular version alerts the tip of the road.
That might be the case. We’ve been reporting for years that the 8 Collection is predicted to bow out in 2026. Some variations may very well be discontinued earlier than the tip of this 12 months. We’ll discover out on August 14 whether or not the limited-run mannequin will function the 8er’s swan music.
Throughout Monterey Automotive Week, BMW may also host the U.S. debut of the G87-generation M2 CS. The native premiere is locked in for the Legends of the Autobahn. It’s a Concours d’Class-style occasion devoted to German vehicles and arranged by the official BMW, Mercedes, and Audi automotive golf equipment in North America.
Past these two debuts, BMW is bringing a powerful motorsport presence to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The legendary M3 GTR (E46) will share the highlight with the M3 GT ALMS (E92). Moreover, the 320i Turbo IMSA Group 5 (E21) can be on static show. The Artwork Automotive sequence may also be represented by Andy Warhol’s iconic M1 Group 4 and the most recent addition, Julie Mehretu’s M Hybrid V8.
