As if it wasn’t obvious enough, BMW prepares to roll out the 8 Series Convertible after revealing the 8 Series Coupe in June 2018. Like the G15, the open-top model will be produced in Dingolfing, Germany.
BMW says that it took the G14 to Nevada for hot-weather testing, though this might be half the truth. The inline-six turbo diesel and twin-turbo V8 have been both tested in hot and cold climate conditions, making this set of “official spy photographs” nothing more than a marketing effort.
Regardless of the reason, the 8 Series Convertible has to be driven thousands of kilometers before the head engineers can give their OK for series production. One of the more unusual tests included in the development process comes in the form of electromagnetic interference on the car’s electronic systems, made possible by the electromagnetic waves from the hydropower turbines at the Hoover Dam.
If you’ve owned an older convertible with a soft top, you’re also aware that the roof needs to be everything-proof before BMW can add the second member of the 8 Series family to the lineup. Dust-proofness in Death Valley is one of the many ways the Bavarian automaker ensures that everything is alright.
The G14 will arrive in the first half of 2019 at dealers all around the world, after which the 8 Series Gran Coupe will complete the picture. The four-door sedan with coupe styling bears the G16 codename, and just like the fixed-head and soft-top, it will be available in M850i xDrive and M8 flavors.
Compared to the N63 in the M850i xDrive, the S63 in the M8 is certain to develop 600 PS (591 horsepower) and 750 Nm (553 pound-feet of torque) from the get-go. If the Competition Package on the F90 M5 is anything to go by, then look forward to 625 PS (617 horsepower) on a future version of the range-topping drivetrain option.
Regardless of the reason, the 8 Series Convertible has to be driven thousands of kilometers before the head engineers can give their OK for series production. One of the more unusual tests included in the development process comes in the form of electromagnetic interference on the car’s electronic systems, made possible by the electromagnetic waves from the hydropower turbines at the Hoover Dam.
If you’ve owned an older convertible with a soft top, you’re also aware that the roof needs to be everything-proof before BMW can add the second member of the 8 Series family to the lineup. Dust-proofness in Death Valley is one of the many ways the Bavarian automaker ensures that everything is alright.
The G14 will arrive in the first half of 2019 at dealers all around the world, after which the 8 Series Gran Coupe will complete the picture. The four-door sedan with coupe styling bears the G16 codename, and just like the fixed-head and soft-top, it will be available in M850i xDrive and M8 flavors.
Compared to the N63 in the M850i xDrive, the S63 in the M8 is certain to develop 600 PS (591 horsepower) and 750 Nm (553 pound-feet of torque) from the get-go. If the Competition Package on the F90 M5 is anything to go by, then look forward to 625 PS (617 horsepower) on a future version of the range-topping drivetrain option.