BMW has introduced only two generations of the 8 Series. The initial model, active in the 1990s, spanned nearly ten years before the brand retired the nameplate for almost two decades. The E31 model was discontinued due to low sales, marking the end of the coupe era, yet its elegant design remains memorable. Reyn Speed Shop has crafted a unique model, showcased during Monterey Car Week, named the 858 CSL. This vehicle features several new carbon fiber body panels aimed at reducing weight and earning the Competition Sport Lightweight title. Additionally, it includes updated front and rear bumpers, broad fender flares, custom headlights, and a vented hood. The distinctive alloy wheels retain the original BMW center caps, offering a refined aesthetic that builds upon the original design with a few distinctive touches.
The 858 CSL replaces the original engine—which ranged from V-8 to V-12 configurations—with a 5.0-liter V-10 from the E60-generation M5. Reyn Speed Shop further enhanced this engine, expanding its capacity to 5.8 liters with a longer stroke and pairing it with a six-speed manual transmission. Although Reyn Speed Shop did not disclose the updated performance figures, the initial E60 engines produced 500 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, sold by BMW from 2005 to 2010. The increased displacement likely boosts horsepower, but with Monterey Car Week concluded, the opportunity to view the 858 CSL in person may have passed. Nonetheless, its existence is a testament to the enduring appeal of the first-generation 8 Series.
