The BMW 8 Series, known internally as the E31, debuted in the early 1990s and was a symbol of BMW’s ambition, combining luxury with high-performance capabilities. However, despite its innovative design and powerful engine options, the original 8 Series struggled in the market, leading to its discontinuation after a decade-long run. Yet, the E31’s sleek and futuristic lines left a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts, ensuring its place in the pantheon of BMW greats.

Fast forward nearly two decades, and the 8 Series nameplate was resurrected by BMW, bringing with it a new generation of cars that paid homage to the original while embracing modern technology and design. But for some, the original E31 still held a unique allure that the new models couldn’t replicate. Enter Reyn Speed Shop, a team of passionate craftsmen who saw potential in the classic 8 Series and decided to elevate it to new heights with the 858 CSL.

The 858 CSL is a masterclass in design, showcasing an array of new carbon fiber body panels that not only enhance the car's aesthetics but also serve a functional purpose. These lightweight components, which include new front and rear bumpers, wide boxy fender flares, and a vented hood, contribute to the car’s reduced weight and improved aerodynamics. The extensive use of carbon fiber also earns the car its CSL (Competition Sport Lightweight) badge, a designation reserved for BMW’s most performance-oriented models.

In addition to the carbon fiber upgrades, the 858 CSL features bespoke headlights and unique alloy wheels that retain the original BMW center caps, creating a subtle yet distinctive look. The widebody stance gives the car a more aggressive posture, emphasizing its performance credentials while maintaining the elegant lines that made the E31 a design icon.

While the exterior of the 858 CSL is undeniably striking, it’s what lies under the hood that truly sets this car apart. Reyn Speed Shop decided to replace the original engine options—BMW offered a range of V-8s and V-12s for the E31—with something far more potent: the 5.0-liter V-10 from the E60-generation M5. This engine, renowned for its high-revving nature and linear power delivery, was already a performance legend, but Reyn wasn’t content to leave it stock.

The shop increased the engine’s displacement to 5.8 liters by lengthening the stroke, a modification that likely results in a significant bump in both horsepower and torque. While Reyn hasn’t disclosed the exact performance figures for the modified engine, it’s safe to assume that the 858 CSL now produces well north of the 500 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque that the original V-10 generated. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, ensuring an engaging and visceral driving experience.

The 858 CSL is more than just a show car; it’s a tribute to the enduring legacy of the first-generation 8 Series. Reyn Speed Shop has taken what was already a beloved design and injected it with new life, creating a vehicle that blends the best of BMW’s past and present. The result is a car that not only stands out at events like Monterey Car Week but also serves as a reminder of the 8 Series’ place in automotive history.

For those lucky enough to have seen the 858 CSL in person, it’s an experience not easily forgotten. For the rest of us, knowing that such a car exists is enough to keep the dream of the E31 alive. The first-generation 8 Series may have been a commercial underdog, but with creations like the 858 CSL, it’s clear that this BMW is still very much a champion in the hearts of enthusiasts.