BMW M GmbH Announces New Model Category: the M Performance A
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BMW M GmbH Announces New M Performance Automobiles Range
For months now, there have been signs and clues pointing to the potential release of several M tuned BMW models which will create a new category of models to fill the gap between the standard series cars and their M versions. It's now just been officially announced by BMW M! Think of this new category of models as akin to Audi's S line of cars.
BMW M Performance Automobiles Category Announcement
12th January 2012
M genes as standard: the BMW M Performance Automobiles.
New model category with emphasis on sporting characteristics combines exclusive engine line-up, enhanced agility, precise chassis tuning and emotional design. Driving experience defined by the development expertise of BMW M GmbH. World premiere at the International Geneva Motor Show 2012.
Munich. In spring 2012, BMW M GmbH will unveil a new product range for drivers seeking a particularly sporty driving experience, yet who also value the familiar comfort and practicality of BMW models. The BMW M Performance Automobiles offer exclusive engine variants, noticeably enhanced agility and outstanding precision on the road, plus design laced with emotional appeal. The harmonious interplay of engine output, power transfer, chassis technology and aerodynamic balance provides a captivating showcase for the familiar M genes - in day-to-day driving and beyond. The BMW M Performance Automobiles will be presented to the global public for the first time at the International Geneva Motor Show 2012 which takes place from 8-18 March.
The BMW M Performance Automobiles represent a totally new model category none of its rivals can offer. Only the high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH provide a more convincing execution of an overall concept focused on inspirational driving dynamics. "We are targeting our efforts at customers looking for more emotionality and more performance, but who don't want to forgo the everyday usability of their cars," said Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. Nitschke announced plans for further additions to the new product line-up, referring to "a range including a wide variety of model series, as well as both petrol and diese-engined variants". The intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive would also play a significant role in the BMW M Performance Automobiles, he added.
2011 will go down as one of the most successful years for BMW M GmbH since the company was founded. In addition to the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, which marked BMW M GmbH's first ever foray into the premium compact segment, last year also saw the successful introduction of the new BMW M5. The imminent arrival of the BMW M Performance Automobiles provides 2012 - which will also feature the world premiere of the new BMW M6, among others - with an early highlight.
"The BMW M Performance Automobiles benefit from the full expertise of BMW M GmbH," explained Nitschke. The BMW Group subsidiary can call on decades of motor sport experience when it comes to translating outstanding engine power into excellent dynamics. This development expertise also imbues the BMW M Performance Automobiles with their distinctive character.
The models in the new product category follow in the tyre tracks of the BMW M535i, which was unveiled in 1980 and went on to capture the hearts of performance-minded customers with its extra power, precisely tuned chassis technology and subtly modified design. A fresh addition to the BMW 5 Series ranks, the Sedan remained a highly successful member of the line-up through two model generations and - up to 1987 - with the BMW M5 for company within the range. "Our aim with the BMW M Performance Automobiles is to continue this tradition," confirmed Nitschke.
So what rumored models can we expect to launch this new category of BMWs? The following three rumored models should all come with the criteria just announced by BMW M for its new M Performance cars category -- extra power, tuned handling, and M visual enhancements.
M550d xDrive
There is the M550d, which was first discovered on the label of a new BMW brake pad package (pictured left). The M550d will be a new tri-turbo inline-6 diesel F10 5 series and it's effectively been confirmed. What's not yet confirmed however, is a power figure.
The latest rumor coming out of a BMW dealer presentation held in the Netherlands in November was that the M550d will come in with 381hp and 516 lb-ft torque. It will be AWD-only.
X6 M50d
The X6 M50d is the car which has been teased by BMW in recent days with their teaser video. It should to be powered by the same tri-turbo inline-6 diesel engine as the M550d. Complimenting the power plant should be a dedicated M Sport Package and some other goodies. It will debut in the X6 LCI (facelift) form, which should be revealed imminently.
We've confirmed at the 2012 NAIAS however, that this model will not be seeing North American shores, which likely rules out the M550d as well.
M135i
From the same Dutch BMW dealer presentation in November which yielded the 381hp tri-turbo diesel M550d rumor (see above), came a report that a "M135i" F20 1 series hatchback is coming next summer. Those in attendance were reportedly told about a M135i featuring 320hp and powered by the N55 inline 6 engine.
A few months back, we spied what appears to be an M Sport 135i F20, so we wouldn't be surprised if BMW went with the "M135i" moniker for that car.
BMW M GmbH Announces New M Performance Automobiles Range
For months now, there have been signs and clues pointing to the potential release of several M tuned BMW models which will create a new category of models to fill the gap between the standard series cars and their M versions. It's now just been officially announced by BMW M! Think of this new category of models as akin to Audi's S line of cars.
BMW M Performance Automobiles Category Announcement
12th January 2012
M genes as standard: the BMW M Performance Automobiles.
New model category with emphasis on sporting characteristics combines exclusive engine line-up, enhanced agility, precise chassis tuning and emotional design. Driving experience defined by the development expertise of BMW M GmbH. World premiere at the International Geneva Motor Show 2012.
Munich. In spring 2012, BMW M GmbH will unveil a new product range for drivers seeking a particularly sporty driving experience, yet who also value the familiar comfort and practicality of BMW models. The BMW M Performance Automobiles offer exclusive engine variants, noticeably enhanced agility and outstanding precision on the road, plus design laced with emotional appeal. The harmonious interplay of engine output, power transfer, chassis technology and aerodynamic balance provides a captivating showcase for the familiar M genes - in day-to-day driving and beyond. The BMW M Performance Automobiles will be presented to the global public for the first time at the International Geneva Motor Show 2012 which takes place from 8-18 March.
The BMW M Performance Automobiles represent a totally new model category none of its rivals can offer. Only the high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH provide a more convincing execution of an overall concept focused on inspirational driving dynamics. "We are targeting our efforts at customers looking for more emotionality and more performance, but who don't want to forgo the everyday usability of their cars," said Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. Nitschke announced plans for further additions to the new product line-up, referring to "a range including a wide variety of model series, as well as both petrol and diese-engined variants". The intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive would also play a significant role in the BMW M Performance Automobiles, he added.
2011 will go down as one of the most successful years for BMW M GmbH since the company was founded. In addition to the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, which marked BMW M GmbH's first ever foray into the premium compact segment, last year also saw the successful introduction of the new BMW M5. The imminent arrival of the BMW M Performance Automobiles provides 2012 - which will also feature the world premiere of the new BMW M6, among others - with an early highlight.
"The BMW M Performance Automobiles benefit from the full expertise of BMW M GmbH," explained Nitschke. The BMW Group subsidiary can call on decades of motor sport experience when it comes to translating outstanding engine power into excellent dynamics. This development expertise also imbues the BMW M Performance Automobiles with their distinctive character.
The models in the new product category follow in the tyre tracks of the BMW M535i, which was unveiled in 1980 and went on to capture the hearts of performance-minded customers with its extra power, precisely tuned chassis technology and subtly modified design. A fresh addition to the BMW 5 Series ranks, the Sedan remained a highly successful member of the line-up through two model generations and - up to 1987 - with the BMW M5 for company within the range. "Our aim with the BMW M Performance Automobiles is to continue this tradition," confirmed Nitschke.
So what rumored models can we expect to launch this new category of BMWs? The following three rumored models should all come with the criteria just announced by BMW M for its new M Performance cars category -- extra power, tuned handling, and M visual enhancements.
M550d xDrive
There is the M550d, which was first discovered on the label of a new BMW brake pad package (pictured left). The M550d will be a new tri-turbo inline-6 diesel F10 5 series and it's effectively been confirmed. What's not yet confirmed however, is a power figure.
The latest rumor coming out of a BMW dealer presentation held in the Netherlands in November was that the M550d will come in with 381hp and 516 lb-ft torque. It will be AWD-only.
X6 M50d
The X6 M50d is the car which has been teased by BMW in recent days with their teaser video. It should to be powered by the same tri-turbo inline-6 diesel engine as the M550d. Complimenting the power plant should be a dedicated M Sport Package and some other goodies. It will debut in the X6 LCI (facelift) form, which should be revealed imminently.
We've confirmed at the 2012 NAIAS however, that this model will not be seeing North American shores, which likely rules out the M550d as well.
M135i
From the same Dutch BMW dealer presentation in November which yielded the 381hp tri-turbo diesel M550d rumor (see above), came a report that a "M135i" F20 1 series hatchback is coming next summer. Those in attendance were reportedly told about a M135i featuring 320hp and powered by the N55 inline 6 engine.
A few months back, we spied what appears to be an M Sport 135i F20, so we wouldn't be surprised if BMW went with the "M135i" moniker for that car.
Caulkhead said:
It's not new for BMW to build watered-down M models to capitalise on the badge, I had an M535i in the late nineties. Same old, same old.
Any link? As far as I'm aware there's no such thing. Happy to be proved wrong though! There was an M535i in the eighties though.Two E39 trim levels SE and Sport. Sport became the M Sport in 2000 but still would not have been an M535i.
Edited by 832ark on Thursday 12th January 10:05
davepoth said:
So, rock hard suspension, massive wheels, aggressive bodykit, and a tiny turbodiesel engine with absurdly long gear ratios for fuel economy. It'll be a brilliant seller.
Exactly what I was thinking, Audi's S-Line models have to be the most unsuitable cars for British roads on sale today (plus they seem to attract the proper bell-end drivers).
832ark said:
Any link? As far as I'm aware there's no such thing. Happy to be proved wrong though! There was an M535i in the eighties though.
Two E39 trim levels SE and Sport. Sport became the M Sport in 2000 but still would not have been an M535i.
I assume he meant he had an e28 m535i, but owned it in the 90's rather than 80's when it was originally released.Two E39 trim levels SE and Sport. Sport became the M Sport in 2000 but still would not have been an M535i.
Edited by 832ark on Thursday 12th January 10:05
I had one too, and as long as they stick to big engine, decent power always accessible, LSD, skinny tyres and relatively soft suspension with the new line up I think it could be great. Shame to see so much talk of M-power/tuned diesels though. I'm no luddite but I just don't like the idea
832ark said:
That would make perfect sense. Also to add was the M635CSI which was sold as the M6 in the US.
Although badged as M635Csi, it was a "proper" M car (unlike the M535i), with the engine taken from an M1.http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=5
Mark Benson said:
Exactly what I was thinking, Audi's S-Line models have to be the most unsuitable cars for British roads on sale today (plus they seem to attract the proper bell-end drivers).
I think it meant the S3, S4 and S8, rather than the S Line trim (they already do the M Sport trim).E30Addict said:
832ark said:
That would make perfect sense. Also to add was the M635CSI which was sold as the M6 in the US.
Although badged as M635Csi, it was a "proper" M car (unlike the M535i), with the engine taken from an M1.http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=5
The sad thing is that although IMHO the "S-Line" range has harmed the image of the proper "S" models its has almost certainly been a massive financial success for AUDI given the sheer volumes they are selling them in. Looks like BMW have worked this out as well and are now going to be creating this "M-Line". Can't blame them really, they are in the business to sell cars and make money, just as an enthusiast it's kind of sad.
This is bad bad news, the M logo will be watered down and the difference between real M models and their sane counterparts will be even less meaningful. For anyone owning a real M series BMW this is not good, it will take away from the brand image.
On a good note a 135i hatch sounds interesting....
On a good note a 135i hatch sounds interesting....
Edited by shantybeater on Friday 13th January 16:05
shantybeater said:
This is bad bad news, the M logo will be watered down and the difference between real M models and their sane counterparts will be even less meaningful. For anyone owning a real M series BMW this is not good, it will take away from the brand image.
On a good note a 135i hatch sounds interesting....
I can't see it hurting proper M cars image nor previous models, but I can see how the s-line has confused the S range. Although for me what has hurt the S range isn't really the s-line kitted 2.0 diesels looking as good as a S its our government and the tax it puts on these cars to get them on the road and the price of petrol.... On a good note a 135i hatch sounds interesting....
Edited by shantybeater on Friday 13th January 16:05
Again the proper M and RS will be maintained by an upper level of earners and true enthusists but these new Ms are slightly less mad and costly BMWs M cars... I can see them selling well!
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