BMW his currently testing the 8 Series Convertible, which has its engineers putting the new droptop through the paces in some of the hottest climates in the US. The BMW 8 Series Convertible was recently put to the test on routes between Las Vegas and Death Valley, where temperatures reached over 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).
BMW’s goal with the hot climate testing for the 8 Series Convertible is to test the functional safety of mechanical and electronic components under extreme weather conditions. The team tested it in extreme dusty conditions in the desert, during stop-and-go traffic on the Las Vegas Strip, on gravel tracks around Mount Whitney and on long-distance journeys between the Pacific coast and the Rocky Mountains.
With the exception of the fabric top, the BMW 8 Series Convertible is nearly identical to the coupe. The 8 Series Convertible will share the same powertrain options as the coupe, which means that in the US it will be available with a 4.4L turbocharged V8 that generates 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. In Europe the 8 Series is also available with a 3.0L diesel engine with 315 horsepower and 502 lb-ft. of torque.
The BMW 8 Series Convertible will arrive in 2019, which will be followed by the four-door 8 Series Gran Coupe and high-performance M versions.
Source: BMW
