M1 BMW considered an M1 successor, but doesn't want one

[SKY]

In a recent interview, BMW North America M Brand Manager Matt Russell confirmed the company was considering an M1 successor but has decided against it.

Speaking with eGMcartech, Russell said "A lot of people come to me and ask, does M need a supercar? We've had the choice to do something like that that when we were planning the 1M Coupe." He continued, "Amongst its development, we all pondered: do we do a supercar as in a mid-engined wedge, or some super high-priced front-engined wedge? We've discussed these possibilities. But ultimately, we didn't feel the need to make a very exclusive high-end supercar and we still don't."

The decision is debatable, but Russell contends BMW already builds supercars - they're just in the shape of luxury sedans and coupes.

Read more: BMW considered an M1 successor, but doesn't want one - report
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[Betty Swollocks]

Far more money to be made in M versions of SUV's. As we're constantly being brainwashed by BMW creative marketing, the growing markets in the Middle East, Russia and China is where the future's at. All hail the Roundel.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

BMW has lost it's way. I'm sorry but this whole "We're the most profitable Luxury Car" has really gotten to their heads. This coming from someone who's had BMW's since 2000.

 

[Mr Robert]

"So, should we do this mid-engined supercar with an unearthly sporty approach, or a superturismo with class leading driver return?.... Naa... let's do nothing instead..."



However, thank you for the 1M Probably the last decent M!

 

[SCOTT27]

There is a specific vision for what BMW would like to do with M. And that lies with M-One and M-Two. But as of now overall costs in bringing these to production is not feasible when you compare BMW's vision to present day costs of materials. That is why BMWi is highly significant in bringing CFRP to mass volume production because the acorn will grow a great oak.

If BMW were to work within their vision for M-One and M-Two then you are looking at cars that would cost much,much more than their respective rivals. Mass volume of CFRP will allow the genetics of M-One and M-Two to become more cost effective later and that is what they are aiming to do.

There is no business case at the moment because they would not make money. But once the materials are in mass volume production then you will see BMW's vision. In the meantime that vision of a futuristic performance car lies with the BMWi8 - The most progressive sports car concept.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

There is a specific vision for what BMW would like to do with M. And that lies with M-One and M-Two. But as of now overall costs in bringing these to production is not feasible when you compare BMW's vision to present day costs of materials. That is why BMWi is highly significant in bringing CFRP to mass volume production because the acorn will grow a great oak.

If BMW were to work within their vision for M-One and M-Two then you are looking at cars that would cost much,much more than their respective rivals. Mass volume of CFRP will allow the genetics of M-One and M-Two to become more cost effective later and that is what they are aiming to do.

There is no business case at the moment because they would not make money. But once the materials are in mass volume production then you will see BMW's vision. In the meantime that vision of a futuristic performance car lies with the BMWi8 - The most progressive sports car concept.

Why is it feasible for Audi to have a R8 V10, MB to have an SLS AMG but BMW NOT to have a competitor? O That's right! Because BMW is now the most profitable luxury car manufacturer and they don't want to give that spot up. BMW is starting to truly show it's colors. What happened to the 'Ultimate Driving Machine'? BMW these days seems to be all about cost cutting to the max, but where is that saved money going? Can't say it's going into R&D. Every new BMW feels like a boat...a heavy boat. The BMW line-up literally looks like a pig...which is fitting because they weight about the same as one.

 

[Mr Robert]

That is why BMWi is highly significant in bringing CFRP to mass volume production because the acorn will grow a great oak.

If this thing BMi¹ is put into proper practice, it could mean a lot to the really sporty cars at BMW, beacuse as we all know, it is weight that is the big problem with today's cars from Bayern. Just don't use it exclusively in silly metro-city-ass-transport-cars, but where it is really needed*².

¹, Yeah, that was intended.
², Sportscars, sportscars, sportscars... BMW will (for ever) struggle to compete with a Scrooge Edition VW Polo for fuel and transport efficiency.

 

[Deleted member 25]

Isn'the I8M already the m supercar ?

 

[Zafiro]

However, thank you for the 1M Probably the last decent M!

Hey , whats wrong with M5? seem to be doing well.

 

[Mr Robert]

Hey , whats wrong with M5? seem to be doing well.

Yes it is, but I have a hard time figuring out what is so "M" about it. The smell of the thing reeks (sorry!) AMG.

 

[q5s]

Hey , whats wrong with M5? seem to be doing well.

Not everyone wants his/her 106K euro sportscar to look exactly like a 520d (non bmw fanboys only)

I wouldn't want my "520d" to look like a 520d let alone something knocking on 600hp

 

[Zafiro]

Not everyone wants his/her 106K euro sportscar to look exactly like a 520d (non bmw fanboys only)

I wouldn't want my "520d" to look like a 520d let alone something knocking on 600hp

Not different what Audi and MB does.

 

[Mr Robert]

Not everyone wants his/her 106K euro sportscar to look exactly like a 520d (non bmw fanboys only)

I wouldn't want my "520d" to look like a 520d let alone something knocking on 600hp

For real, is that the M5 or a 520dM?

 

[Zafiro]

For real, is that the M5 or a 520dM?

Its an Audi A6 trying to look like a BMW. You cant be serious Robert?

 

[mini_cooper4]

Maybe that's where BMW Motorsport aim is:

 

[Mr Robert]

Its an Audi A6 trying to look like a BMW. You cant be serious Robert?

No, I didn't know However, my point still stands - what is the difference?

 

[Zafiro]

No, I didn't know However, my point still stands - what is the difference?

Same differences that AMG and RS does to their counterparts. Once you figure that out then you know the differences. Happy searching you old goat

 

[Beemer B773ER]

In my honest opinion, I don't think BMW could afford to develop a proper M1 successor supercar. For BMW to produce such a car it simply couldn't just be great, it would have to be the BEST. Look at the sheer cost of the LF-A project for Toyota, or the cost of the Aventador (and that's utilizing VAG resources and having a research partner in Boeing). Without dropping everything else they're doing (including BMWi), I doubt BMW has the financial resources to produce a supercar that would become the new benchmark in its class. They may have the man power, and have the brain power at M and BMW Motorsports, but I imagine the cost would be too great a risk.

I'd love a new M1... or at least an M version of a new 8er. I think the latter is on its way.

 

[Centurion]

In my honest opinion, I don't think BMW could afford to develop a proper M1 successor supercar.

They can afford one but currently individualism is hot and there is a massive appetite for niche cars, more o's then for super cars and the prospects for SUVs and coupes based on the 1,3 and 5 are bright as the sun. The costs of bringing these niche cross overs to market are low but reward are big. Not to mention short development times. I don't see BMW going beyond the Gran Coupe in the next coming years.

 

[Giannis]

With all due respect, I always thought that BMW is about driver's feel. A great combination of a very responsive engine, an ultra responsive steering and good road handling. Even a base and underpowered 316i could offer some driving pleasure, because the set-up was great. Despite the "only" 115 horsepower.

Now why is it a "must" to communicate BMW or even M as a brand about technology and high-tech materials?

What is more important, an engaging drive or a chassis made of unobtainium? I can understand the need for a lightweight construction, but one could see it as a loss of target. After all, BMW is getting even more premium these days. But that's something that's worth debating!