The North American premiere of the M2 CS is also happening
BMW is gearing up for a busy Monterey Car Week, which takes place next month. Not only will the North American premiere of the new M2 CS take place, but the company has also confirmed the release of a special-edition 8 Series, which we first heard about a couple of weeks ago.
The company is also celebrating two 50th anniversaries. One is for BMW Art Cars, and another is for the iconic 3 Series. This is an important period for the brand, as it gets ready for a completely new era with the imminent arrival of the Neue Klasse models. But first, here’s what’s in store at Monterey.
Special-Edition 8 Series Could Mark Beginning Of The End For Model Line
The second-generation 8 Series was introduced back in 2018, so it’s been on sale for some time. Over the years, BMW expanded the lineup with six-cylinder models, the fire-breathing M8 and M8 Competition, and the beautiful convertible and Gran Coupe models. Still, this is a long time for a single generation of any model to be on sale, which is why the upcoming limited-edition 8 Series could represent a swansong for the range.
BMW has only said that details of this special 8 series will be made public on August 14, but rumors suggest the variant will be based on the V8-powered M850i. This model has a 523-horsepower V8, and we expect that the limited-edition model will come with unique styling flourishes and even more opulent interior trim. A limited production run will make it especially desirable.
A “private location” has been chosen for a first reveal of the limited 8 Series.
North American Premiere Of M2 CS
We were lucky enough to see the dramatic new M2 CS up close at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, so we can confidently say that attendees at Monterey will not be disappointed to see the sporty coupe in the metal, especially if BMW showcases one finished in the Velvet Blue paint we saw.
More powerful and lighter than the regular M2, the hardcore CS is claimed to sprint from zero to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds. Its 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine has been dialed up to make 523 horsepower, and the styling enhancements include that hard-to-miss ducktail spoiler.
At almost 100 pounds lighter than the normal M2, the CS achieved a new record for compact cars at the Nürburgring, where it lapped the 12.9-mile track in just seven minutes and 25.5 seconds. We expect this car to further boost record BMW M sales.
3 Series And Art Cars Celebrate 50th Anniversaries
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The 3 Series was once the bread and butter of BMW’s lineup, but the X3 and X5 have long since surpassed it. Still, the sedan is far from irrelevant, and it has stuck around long enough to see its 50th anniversary.
In celebration of this and the role of the 3 Series in motorsport, BMW will be showing iconic race cars at the event, including on the track for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Between August 13 and 16, these BMWs will light up the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The models to be seen include a 2004 BMW Team PTG M3 GTR from the E46 generation, and a 2011 BMW M3 GT ALMS from the E92 gen. The M3 GTR E46 is one of several that achieved great success in the 2004 Rolex Sports Car Series, when the car notched up 10 wins in 12 races.
Related: BMW M Just Crushed Mercedes-AMG with Record-Breaking Sales Numbers
Away from the track, a 1977 BMW 320i Turbo IMSA Group 5 model will be on display. This car rose to prominence after the original 3.0 CSL was retired. The turbocharged 320i made upwards of 650 horsepower, and only five were made for the IMSA series.
Finally, BMW will mark 50 years of art cars at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Back in 1975, the first BMW Art Car was commissioned by French race car driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain. That project was for a 3.0 CSL race car he would drive at Le Mans, and so began a proud lineage of BMW art cars, with another 19 artists creating their own since then.
On display at this year’s event will be Art Car #4 (a BMW M1 Group 4 by Andy Warhol), and Art Car #20 (a BMW M Hybrid V8 by Julie Mehretu), which will wrap up an exciting week for BMW fans.
The action doesn’t end there for BMW. In September, the company’s first Neue Klasse vehicle will debut at the IAA Mobility. That will be the new iX3, and it begins over 40 new or revised BMW launches by 2027.
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