BMW launched the M8 Coupe and Convertible,
in both regular and Competition specs, last summer, so it does not make any
sense to continue testing prototypes – unless, of course, they are planning to
launch a new version.
This M8 Convertible was spotted doing the
rounds on the Nurburgring recently, and if it wasn’t for the camouflage, we
doubt that it would’ve rang any bells. The vinyl stickers cover most of the
exterior, but even so, the front bumper, apron and grille seems to carry over
with no changes compared to the current models.
The back end appears to have been tweaked
though, with the bumper having a cleaner look and more squared center section
that still hosts the license plate. The middle part of the diffuser has adopted
a different design, although that could be plastic cladding meant to trick the
eye, and the cutouts for the quad tailpipes are unchanged.
If this is indeed the rumored CS model,
then we would also expect a more pronounced boot lid spoiler, alongside bigger
air intakes in the front bumper and a larger apron. The new wheels, exhaust
system, bucket seats and extensive use of carbon fiber would make it lighter
than the current M8 Competition, but don’t expect anything too drastic, as the
8-Series remains a big car.
A CS version of the facelifted M5 is also
in the works and should debut in the coming months. According to reports, it
will launch with a tuned version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, perhaps with
mild electrification, so the alleged M8 CS will follow in its footsteps, with
more power than the 616 HP and 750 Nm Competition.
