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BMW M Development Boss Says No Bespoke M Car, Diesel In The Works

 
2 2,928 views Oct 21, 2011
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While refusing to rule out the possibility of a diesel M Division product or a bespoke, scratch-built M car, Albert Biermann effectively laid both ideas to rest today. Of the two, the idea of an exclusive M Division car has the better historical basis.

The diesel idea had previously been "confirmed" by one source, and Biermann acknowledged to Inside Line that if the technology were there, M Division wouldn't rule it out, but at the same time, he says the diesels currently available just don't provide the dynamics necessary to merit the M badge. A 5-Series M-tuned diesel had been the rumored candidate for precisely that treatment, but outside of the usual M Sports package, it doesn't look like it'll be happening soon.

2008 BMW M1 Homage concept

2008 BMW M1 Homage concept

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As for the exclusive M Divsion car, it's worth remembering that BMW's M brand was born from just such a car: the M1. Built for homologation purposes, the M1 was never intended to be a profitable or independently successful model. It did launch the brand, however, and while the business case for another non-standard-BMW-based M car might still be a non-starter, the idea of a halo car for the brand does still hold some attraction.

Nevertheless, Biermann told Inside Line that everything BMW does these days has to make money, and that includes the M Division. So for now, we'll settle for the regular production-based cars like the 1-Series M Coupe and the upcoming 2014 BMW M3. Happily.



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Comments (2)

  1. Damien Thomas avatar Damien Thomas Posted: 10/22/2011 12:47am PDT

    God damn it BMW! Just build this M1 Homage exactly as it is.. why can AMG build an SLS AMG and Audi with the R8 but BMW's best is a bloated M6?

    A mid-engine supercar priced at SLS AMG figures would steal so many sales from the R8, SLS AMG, Porsche 911 and I bet even the Gallardo/458/mp4-12c.

    Seriously, it still shocks me that the Ultimate Driving Machine brand doesn't even have a pure sports car. Even Toyota has the LFA and upcoming FT-86. Pathetic.

    Go ahead and build another Progressive Activity crap. That 5-Series GT has been doing great. BMW should change its badge to read POS.
     
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  2. Damien Thomas avatar Damien Thomas Posted: 10/22/2011 12:49am PDT

    BTW - this is coming from a former BMW fan. I used to own a E65 7-Series but changed to the Jaguar XF at trade in time.
     
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