SPIED: BMW 8 Series Convertible Drops Its Top In The Sun

We also get a good look at the high-tech interior.

The beautiful BMW 8 Series will finally break cover on June 15 at the Le Mans 24 hour race. In the meantime, our spy photographers have snapped some new shots of the gorgeous grand-tourer in prototype form for us to salivate over. While we’ve already seen plenty of exterior shots showing both the coupe and convertible in various stages of camouflage, this is the first time we’ve seen the convertible go topless now that spring is here – and it looks even better with the roof down.

Even with so much camouflage disguising the details, we can already tell the 8 Series will be quite the stunner. Judging from these latest snaps, the 8 Series appears to be nearly complete since the final production headlights have been fitted with integrated daytime running lights. At the back, the taillights still appear to be placeholders, while the four-tailpipe exhaust system has been neatly integrated into the bumper with trapezoidal cutouts. Now that the retractable soft top roof has been lowered, we can also see the convertible will be offered with a rear windshield installed behind the front seats.

There also appears to be vents in the front headrests, suggesting that BMW could offer an alternative to Mercedes’ airscarf system. We also get a sneak peek inside the 8 Series Convertible's high-tech cabin. The latest spy shots reveal the grand-tourer will feature a three-spoke steering wheel, while a large infotainment screen dominates the top of the center console. Look closely, and you can also see an iDrive controller. Being the flagship coupe in the BMW range, the 8-Series will no doubt have a fully digital instrument cluster and an upgraded infotainment system running BMW Operating System 7.0, which was recently previewed.

BMW is remaining tight-lipped about possible powertrains, but the 8 Series is expected to launch with a range of engine options including a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder for the base model with around 335 hp, and a more powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 developing 455 hp. BMW has also confirmed a high-performance M8 will join the line-up. The range-topper is expected to borrow the M5’s 4.4-liter V8 tuned to deliver over 600 horsepower.

New BMW M3 Drops More Camo For Our Spy Cameras

A prototype of the BMW M3 has been spotted having a workout at the Nurburgring sporting production headlights.

Last week, the all-new BMW 3 Series debuted at the 2018 Paris Motor Show improving on its predecessor in practically every way. But as impressive as it is, enthusiasts are now eagerly waiting for the brand new M3 to arrive. Render artists have envisioned what it will look like to help ease the wait, but our spies have caught the real deal undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. They also managed to grab a few closer shots of the new M3 as it was pulling into BMW M test center. Compared to our last look at the new M3, this prototype is wearing less camouflage, giving us a better look at the design details.

While the prototype spotted a few months ago was fitted with temporary lights, this latest version is sporting production headlights and taillights. As standard, the new 3 Series comes with full-LED headlights that seamlessly merge into the twin-kidney grille. It also has all the usual M3 hallmarks that distinguish it from the regular model, including wider wheel arches and quad exhaust tips, but the overall design is still well concealed.

Initially, the BMW will only sell the 330i in America but it will eventually be joined by the more potent M340i and M340i xDrive next year, which will pack 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque under the hood. As for the full-fat M3, reports suggest BMW will extract around 470-500 hp from its twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder unit, which will be mated to either a standard-fit six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic. It’s difficult to guess when the new BMW M3 will break cover, but next year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September seems like a good bet one year after the regular model was unveiled.