What's the news?
BMW is going to unveil not one, but two concept cars at the forthcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the States - and the hint is that one of them will be a hitherto unseen convertible version of the 8 Series.
Although the 8 Series Coupe Concept has been displayed elsewhere in the world before now - so it is only making its American debut at Pebble Beach - the second car is an all-new derivation making its world premiere. And, if this teaser image is anything to go by, it looks like the Eight has lost its head.
BMW has confirmed the production 8 Series Coupe will hit the world markets by 2018, but it adds the world premiere concept car will also be ready for showrooms next year - further fuelling the thought that it's the inevitable Convertible version of Munich's latest grand tourer.
Anything else?
"The number 8 and cars like the Z8 Roadster and i8 have represented the pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity at BMW," said Harald Krüger, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG. "The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand. This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment. In the process, we will strengthen our claim to leadership in the luxury class."
BMW will again participate in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion this year, campaigning two historic cars driven by notable drivers. The famous 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL No.25 will, one last time, be driven by former BMW of North America president Ludwig Willisch, while the 1972 Alpina 2002ti will be driven by none other than Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group's head of design.
The Concours d'Elegance takes place in mid-August at the famous Californian golf course, situated just outside Carmel.