No M3 Touring, M3 CSL, or M1 Concept
07-29-2008, 05:58 PM
#1
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Mini Cooper
The CEO of BMW M GmbH, Ludwig Willisch, spilled his guts to Auto-Motor-und-Sport in a recent interview about the future of BMW's high-performance M division. The news was good, bad, and downright dumbfounding. For the good, Willish mentioned that future M-models will include high-revving turbocharged engines, and offer ceramic brakes. The bad news is that there will be no E91 M3 Touring, E92 M3 CSL, or M1 Concept. Apparently, BMW doesn't feel there is enough of a market to support those vehicles. The perplexing news is that BMW is currently working on M-versions of the X5 and X6 (apparently to answer a question that enthusiasts have yet to ask). While we cannot control the electrochemical signals being sent between neurons within BMW's think tank, we can continue to hope that BMW doesn't dilute the M-brand the way Mercedes-Benz has with AMG.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/the-fut...x5-x6-and-less/
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/the-fut...x5-x6-and-less/
07-29-2008, 07:02 PM
#2
Senior Members
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Huntington Beach, CA & Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 2,850
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I knew they were working on performance versions of the X6 and X5, but actual M-versions. Please don't put a M badge on a SUV. What are they smoking? 
The next generation 1-series is due in late 2011. Maybe they will have a M version 1-series then. A small light-weight high-revving turbo car, with hopefully better looks.
The next generation 1-series is due in late 2011. Maybe they will have a M version 1-series then. A small light-weight high-revving turbo car, with hopefully better looks.
07-29-2008, 07:48 PM
#3
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Mini Cooper
Originally Posted by JetBlack5OC' post='635659' date='Jul 30 2008, 11:02 AM
The next generation 1-series is due in late 2011. Maybe they will have a M version 1-series then. A small light-weight high-revving turbo car, with hopefully better looks.
07-29-2008, 07:50 PM
#4
Contributors
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC , Canada
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
I think their strategy is dead on ! An ///M X5/6 will be a welcome addition to the stable !! Good on them ! I never got the ///M wagons/tourings ....................as for the 1 series , that friggen 135 with the Sport package is an ///m for almost anybody ! 
07-29-2008, 10:03 PM
#5
Senior Members
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Huntington Beach, CA & Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 2,850
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by westcoast550' post='635699' date='Jul 29 2008, 08:50 PM
I think their strategy is dead on ! An ///M X5/6 will be a welcome addition to the stable !! Good on them ! I never got the ///M wagons/tourings ....................as for the 1 series , that friggen 135 with the Sport package is an ///m for almost anybody !
Just don't put a M badge on a SUV/SAV.
M does stand for Motorsport, it has racing history.
07-29-2008, 10:50 PM
#6
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Mini Cooper
Originally Posted by JetBlack5OC' post='635755' date='Jul 30 2008, 02:03 PM
I have nothing against M division contributing to the development of a performance X5 and X6.
Just don't put a M badge on a SUV/SAV.
M does stand for Motorsport, it has racing history.
Just don't put a M badge on a SUV/SAV.
M does stand for Motorsport, it has racing history.
07-30-2008, 03:08 AM
#7
Contributors
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 4,186
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport
.
Options:
Sport version (includes: sport-seats, sport-suspension, M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Shaddow Line), Saphire Black, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood trim, Steptronic Auto, Xenons, NAV-Professional with Voice Control, TV, CD-Changer, Bluetooth, Logic7, Head-up Display, Comfort Access, Seat Heating front, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Extended Auto Air Conditioning, PDC.
.
Mods:
Spacers 5mm front & 15mm rear
.
Wheels:
20" Alpina Softline (Classic) with Dunlop Sport Maxx non-RFT (255/35/20 & 285/30/20)
Originally Posted by JetBlack5OC' post='635755' date='Jul 30 2008, 08:03 AM
I have nothing against M division contributing to the development of a performance X5 and X6.
Just don't put a M badge on a SUV/SAV.
M does stand for Motorsport, it has racing history.
Just don't put a M badge on a SUV/SAV.
M does stand for Motorsport, it has racing history.
AMG have done it, so maybe BMW also feel they can get away with it? I agree with you though, M really stands for racing and positions/sells itself on that heritage. Its not just about putting high-performance engines in mass-market factory models -- which IMHO is what AMG now stands for, as opposed to its original racing history. There is no doubt a market for very high-powered SUVs, but I find it hard to believe that BMW would impact / damage its M brand by going the same route as AMG
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
My535
Private Member Classifieds
0
08-03-2015 04:57 PM