Our buddy Jason Cammisa of Hagerty tells at this time the story of the BMW 850 CSi. And what a narrative that’s. In 1993, BMW launched the 850 CSi, which has grow to be the holy grail of the eight Collection as only one,519 had been made worldwide, with simply 225 reaching the USA. As Cammisa explains within the video beneath, evaluations of the E31 eight Collection had been removed from variety. However BMW had an ace up its sleeve: the M Division. That is how the BMW 850 CSi was born.
An M Engine Beneath The Hood
The 850 CSi, the M8 that wasn’t, boasted 375 horsepower from its now-5.6-liter V12 and had dealing with to match its engine and attractiveness. The S70B56 engine was a big improve from the usual M70 V12 discovered within the 850i, with a brand new engine code to mirror the intensive modifications. It allowed the automotive to speed up from Zero to 100 km/h in simply six seconds and attain an electronically restricted high velocity of 250 km/h.
The eight Collection was BMW’s first automotive fully designed on a pc. BMW used CAD to create it the eight Collection’ modern form that punches by way of the wind with a low 0.28 coefficient of drag. The eight Collection was designed as a grand tourer, an autobahn bomber. It simply merely devours open street and begs for lengthy street journeys at excessive speeds.
Forward Of Its Time
The 850 CSi got here with pioneering expertise for its time, such because the integral rear axle five-link suspension, Automated Stability Management plus Traction (ASC+T), speed-sensitive energy steering, and Digital Damper Management (EDC). BMW 850CSi’s modified suspension included stiffer springs and dampers, and diminished the automotive’s journey top. The 850Si additionally had wider wheels, and non-compulsory cast M Parallel wheels. The 850CSi’s entrance and rear bumpers had been reshaped for improved aerodynamic efficiency. 4 spherical stainless-steel exhaust suggestions changed the sq. suggestions discovered on different eight Collection fashions. A 6-speed guide gearbox was the one transmission choice for the 850CSi and got here at a time when most different vehicles had been simply 5 velocity manuals. Euro 850CSi fashions got here with four-wheel steering. BMW Motorsport-branded door handles paid homage to its heritage, whereas a poised rear spoiler and black bodyside trim added sporty attract.
Despite the fact that BMW by no means known as it an M8, this automotive was as near an M8 because it will get. In fact, there was a one-off E31 M8 which was first noticed in Munich again in 2011. Let’s check out this nice overview by Hagerty:
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