We’ve seen countless spy photos of the BMW 8-Series
Convertible over the past few months and now we’re finally getting a naked
look at the upcoming model. While the car isn’t complete – as it lacks a rear
bumper, taillights and wheels – it gives us a better idea of what to expect
when the 8-Series is officially unveiled on June 15th. The front of the car is
obscured but we can see the 8-Series will have expressive bodywork that
features a recessed area beneath the door handles.
Moving further back, there’s subtle curves and
cutouts for slender LED taillights. The rear deck is broken up into two
sections, like on the 6-Series Convertible, and the forward compartment will
store the car’s retractable soft top. The rear compartment is the trunk opening
and it looks relatively shallow in these spy photos.
BMW has been slowing releasing details about the car
and the automaker recently confirmed plans for a high-performance M850i xDrive.
That particular model will use a 4.4-liter V8 engine that develops 530 PS and 750 Nm of torque. This is 68 PS and 100 Nmmore than the previous 650i.
Additional engines will also be available and the
new X5 gives us a pretty good idea about what to expect. While the crossover
and convertible don’t have much in common, it wouldn’t be surprising if the
X5’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine finds its way under the hood of
the 8-Series. It produces 340 PS and 450 Nm of
torque – a 20 PS increase over the previous 640i.
Of course, the real star of the show will be the new
M8 which will have a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine developing at least 600 PS and 750 Nm of torque. However, some reports have
suggested its rating could match the M5 Competition which has 625 PS and 750 Nm of torque.
