MONACO. A special edition of the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupé created with the collaboration of Jeff Koons, an icon of neo-pop style and one of the richest artists in the world. This is the new project flashed in the mind of Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of directors of BMW AG, who has already set the procedures and timing of the operation: the car will be on sale in a limited edition not before having debuted at the Frieze Los Angeles, scheduled for February 2022.
After all, the American artist had already tried his hand at a car from the Bavarian giant, when in 2010 he put his hand to the M3 GT2 Art Car, a car that took to the track at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A true work of art on wheels, which led U2 frontman Bono to declare that Koons should have a permanent role in the design of the car of the future.
“I am truly thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to work with BMW again and create a special edition car,” said Jeff Koons. “I was thinking very hard about it: what is the essence of the 8 Series Gran Coupé? What is the essence of power? How to create something that exemplifies all the energy of Series 8 and is also capable of touching the human element? Once again, it is just a wonderful opportunity to work as part of the BMW family again ”.
The cars are currently being produced in secret at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, Bavaria. During an exclusive event at the Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich’s leading contemporary art museum, and a few days before the opening of IAA MOBILITY 2021, Jeff Koons and Oliver Zipse revealed the first details of the new car. With a multi-layered paint that takes 285 hours to apply to each car, the design combines eleven different exterior colors ranging from blue to silver and yellow to black. Inside, the seats are invariably made in red and blue, the same ones that distinguish the M series. “I am very proud to announce a new partnership with Jeff Koons. And let me say: I love what he invented, ”said Oliver Zipse. “The 8 Series Gran Coupe is very close to our hearts and Jeff’s car design is full of joy and passion. Since we relaunched our collaboration, Koons has said he is proud to be back with the BMW family. Dozens of engineers and designers went out of their way to celebrate our partnership and realize his vision. Welcome home, Jeff… ”. (fp)
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