I'm sorry, but an auto show in a country that recently went through an earthquake and a tsunami? Isn't that a bit wrong?
The 2011 Tokyo motorshow has moved to December instead of it's late October time slot. The general consensus is that the show is still planned to go ahead given the Japanese peoples resilience and ability to overcome obstacles in the face of disaster. As of now the show is still going ahead. If you cast your mind back to 2009, BMW and other German manufacturers for economic reasons boycotted the show , well they are all scheduled to return with the majority of German manufacturers planning to exhibit in Tokyo. Of course it is early days yet and things can change, especially with that ongoing critical situation. But German manufacturers always use Tokyo for a launch pad allbeit new models or concepts. Mercedes-Benz/VW have been known for some exciting concepts throughout the years in Tokyo , Audi in 2007 released the S8 and A1 Metrocity Concept as BMW unleashed the 1er Tii. As of now however the current focus is on Shanghai with the BMW 6er Coupe out of the bag , BMW M5 Concept next week and then the BMW 5er Li Plug-In-Hybrid, Audi Q3 , A6L and Mercedes-Benz with Concept Aesthetic "A" . But going back on topic. It is not a 1M or a Z4.
Geeez December. It's only March right now. Definitely relates to the M3 then. Best to let this thread simmer for a few months until we begin planning for Xmas/New Year.
The coupes currently made are the M3 and the X6 M. With a couple of years left, both can be regarded as outgoing . It'd been interesting to see what they could do with the huge X6 in terms of weight and performance... They need to justify all these heavy, thirsty SUV:s when everything else had to give in the name of all things green. Thus, the X6 is the perfect base for showcasing the technology of the future.
Fair point, but the idea of seeing CSL written next to X6 makes me cringe. But if it is indeed an X6 M CSL, I hope they at least replace the 8-speed auto with the M DCT. EDIT:The X5/X6 M have 6-speed automatic, not 8-speed.
X5 Le Mans was awesome, but value about ZERO. A 700 hp Le Mans monster that has no touch with reality whatsoever. If it's a 'concept' like the E53 X5 Le Mans, I am very unhappy. But it's going to be a version of the M3 for sure. No X5 or X6. Well, it better be if it's going to be some concept that will never see the light of day. The E46 M3 CSL is like 10 years old, and a production car no less. Some 2011 concept that will never see production better be a hell of a lot more advanced than the CSL :eusa_doh::eusa_doh:
GTS is heavier, ok, but better in every way. But ok. CLS is more hardcore and more fun. And more epic. And I also agree, for me it's the best car BMW has ever made too. Hopefully they will top it soon with true lightweight cars. Like, cars that weigh 1300 kg MAX.
I'll say it again. In my opinion, given the information suggested, this concept car ought to be to the M3 what Sesto Elemento was to Gallardo: A materials and design study that explores the use of newer, more readily (and cost-effectively) manufactured, lightweight materials mated with exploratory future styling elements. I mean what else could we possibly expect out of key words like: showcase, outgoing, current M car, Engineering Concept, lightweight, mass production, etc.
