Leica M8 “Panda” limited edition – is this old news?

Update: more info on the Leica M6 Panda and the Leica M6 Anti-Panda.

There was already talk about the Leica M8 Panda a while ago. A reader just sent me this email about a new limited edition M8 (email dated Dec 11, 2008):

Sales Update
To: All Photographic Division Representatives/Dealers
From: Marketing Department
Date: December 11, 2008
Re: Limited Production  M8, special black paint with silver chrome elements
____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Leica Camera AG will produce a limited production run of 100 pieces of the LEICA M8, special black paint
finish with silver chrome control elements. The special black paint M8 will have a silver chrome preview
lever, speed dial, hot shoe and shutter release.

The contrast between the special black paint body and silver chrome elements makes these unique
pieces a true Leica collector's item. As the US will only be getting a limited number of pieces, we suggest
you reach out to your customers who are Leica fans. The mail-in rebate for the M8 is applicable to these
limited quantity production cameras.

Dealers who place an order for these limited quantity pieces will be listed on the website in the News
Section. If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you.

I am little bit confused because this model seems to be already available on ebay:

Why would Leica produce a limited M8 and not M8.2?

Related posts:

1. Leica M8 “Panda” special edition now available
2. Leica M9 limited edition silver chrome set with sapphire glass now available
3. Leica M7 Hermes limited edition no longer a rumor
4. The first Leica X1 limited edition “Le Mans”
5. Leica M9-P silver red leather set limited edition camera