BMW developing xDrive for M cars!!!

[warot]

First of all:

M xDrive will be available in X6 M only!!!!

Nobody said it will be offered in other models than X. But no one knows what the future can bring.

Regarding weight: mind that in the following years the lightweight materials will be even more available: alu-magnesium alloys, CF, composite plastic materials, special foams, etc ...

I'm not affraid of overweight.

Remember Z29 prototype from BMW Technik? The car (its lightweight technology) has an agenda!

I totally understand that part. God forbid a 4wd M3. But still, like you said it's still an M car nonetheless. I think it would be much more appropriate if it was called iS.

But then again, I don't even have a clue how the X6 is going to turn out.

 

[EnI]

Are you joking? NA, RWD, 50:50 balance. That is what BMW's have been about since the beginning

Wrong!

BMW is about being an "ultimate driving machine": exceptional steering, handling, balance, smooth & constant power delivery etc. Dynamism & driving fun! BMW is about these values, not about specific technology or building methods!!! Mind that these values can be achieved / preserved with different solutions / technology.

Technology is in constant progress. So why not turbo. Why not AWD. Why not V6. Why not etc. If the old values can be achieved with new & better tech (which can be completely opposite than current one) - so why not use it.

Today smooth & constant power delivery is available also from a turbo engine (proof: N54). Which will be even more refined in the next generations - and more NA like feeling.

AWD system are getting more & more refined. Soon you will be able to get an AWD system with almost a RWD feeling, yet better traction.

50:50 balance can also be achieved with several methods.

If you stick with old tech & solutions and do not move with progress you are dead sooner or later. So ...

Yes, transitional periods can be a bit tricky, but the result always pays off in the end.

 

[Top Secret]

Nobody said it will be offered in other models than X.

Internal (yet unofficial) prediction: we will see the system also in other M models ...

OK then.

We also have to remember that, this AWD rumour isn't even confirmed yet - I'll believe it when I see it.

However, I still stand by my stance that AWD is going to do nothing but bad for this car, the excess weight being the forefront of my concerns. According to rumours and recent trends by BMW, it could be said that the X6 will come with a carbon fibre roof and a hybrid mix of an aluminium/steel/plastic body. That's stock. Now, unless they reskin the whole car in carbon-fibre or strip the car out to buggery (which, personally, I wouldn't mind), I can't see the M version of the X6 losing anything more than 50-60kg of weight. Hardly enough to offset the weight gained by the AWD system.

Also Tine, might I add that while the "ultimate driving machine" is the ethos that applies to the whole of BMW, the M Philosophy is quite different, and more 'purist'. I distinctly remember an interview where the M Boss was quoted as saying something about only using high-revving, NA engines with a RWD platform. Now, the M version of the X6 would, if it was available with an AWD platform, go against this philosophy.

 

[YoungWarrior]

audi are being left behind. They can kiss goodbye to challenging BMW now. Are the audi guys even thinking, they made awd mainstream in cars so they should we at the forefront of 4wd.

 

[EnI]

OK then.

We also have to remember that, this AWD rumour isn't even confirmed yet - I'll believe it when I see it.

However, I still stand by my stance that AWD is going to do nothing but bad for this car, the excess weight being the forefront of my concerns. According to rumours and recent trends by BMW, it could be said that the X6 will come with a carbon fibre roof and a hybrid mix of an aluminium/steel/plastic body. That's stock. Now, unless they reskin the whole car in carbon-fibre or strip the car out to buggery (which, personally, I wouldn't mind), I can't see the M version of the X6 losing anything more than 50-60kg of weight. Hardly enough to offset the weight gained by the AWD system.

Also Tine, might I add that while the "ultimate driving machine" is the ethos that applies to the whole of BMW, the M Philosophy is quite different, and more 'purist'. I distinctly remember an interview where the M Boss was quoted as saying something about only using high-revving, NA engines with a RWD platform. Now, the M version of the X6 would, if it was available with an AWD platform, go against this philosophy.

I wasn't clear enough: the guy said only MxDrive was being developed for X6 M. And initially X6 M would be the only car using that system. This is a fact.

While his personal opinion was the system would spread to other M models in the future, since he thought BMW would never develop such a system for one model only. So, M3, M5, M6 etc with xDrive is just his speculation!!!

X6 will have xDrive by default. Like X3, X5, 530xi etc. So the X6 M will not get extra weight over regular X6 - just the opposite: due extensive usage of lightweight materials (CF, foam filled profiles, composite plastic etc) X6 M will be much lighter than regular top-version X6 with V8 turbo engine.

Bruhnke: in his latest interviews he said M would never do diesels & superchargers. He didn't exclude turbocharged engines, nor X5 M - which has "AWD platform"!!!, etc. Mind that xDrive solution is not an AWD platform, but RWD platform with added AWD system (for more info read read martinbo's posts about AWD systems).

The only true condition for a vehicle earning the M badge is to comply with M values - no matter of vehicle's shape. So in the future when the larger cars like 7er, X5, X3, and right now 5er Touring will get more rigid body, more capable regular chasis, and lose some weight M GmbH will be able to rework them in M cars - without losing M values. If there will be a demand.

Right now X5 & 7er are not appropriate for wearing M badge, but that can change in the future ... with the next Mks.

 

[Centurion]

Guys, it's no big deal. Everyone knows cornering grip and launching grip can be immensely improved with AWD. I don't see why some of you are so paranoid about AWD in a high performance vehicle.

Sure, it's not the "purist" approach, but that's because of historical precedent, and not about the most efficient way to get around quickly in various scenarios.

Sure, it may be more difficult to power oversteer out of a turn in an AWD car, but it may mean you actually don't have to slide to transfer maximum power to the road ALL the time to get a faster cornering and exit speed.

My problem with AWD is that is kills some of the driving pleasure.

 

[EnI]

My problem with AWD is that is kills some of the driving pleasure.

It depends on AWD system and its settings. Today most systems are electronically driven, not mechanically.

My guess is MxDrive will be basicly the regular xDrive Vr 2.0 with different software settings - to be even more rear biased when activated. Or constantly 100% RWD when deactivated.

 

[Centurion]

It depends on AWD system and its settings. Today most systems are electronically driven, not mechanically.

My guess is MxDrive will be basicly the regular xDrive Vr 2.0 with different software settings - to be even more rear biased when activated. Or constantly 100% RWD when deactivated.

In all the comparisons I have read i.e M3 vs RS4, F430 vs Gallardo and 997TT vs GT3, the people who conducted the comparisons have said that the RWD car has been the most enjoyable to drive. Don't even let me get started on the added weight which affects handling, fuel consumption and acceleration.

 

[Germaniac]

Tine, good arguments brother - all makes a lot of sense and really if 'change' doesn't conflict with BMW or M's overall values I see nothing wrong with it...

 

[klier]

Guys, we don't even know an M versrion of that car is even coming. NOTHING has been announced.

 

[PanterroR]

Guys, you sound like grumpy old grandpas bitching about new stuff, new tech, new times, and where to the world goes.

World turns around. Time goes on. (Tehnological) Progress is rapid. Open your mind!

Are we really so old already?

Haha, well said, Eni!

 

[JadeVetti]

Confirmations From the Source itself in regards to a X6 M:

(a) http://www.germancarforum.com/new-b...wards-bmw-group-into-2010-beyond-updated.html

"BMW M's first foray into the non Sedan ,Coupe and cabrio market The X6-M again as this is a Coupe model a Carbon Fibre Roof will feature strongly in it's weight saving plan.
Expected to be powered by an upgraded V10 engine BMW will position the X6-M right into the bowels of performance Coupe owners with families and the need for luggage space".

(b) http://www.germancarforum.com/x6-sac/19947-over-back-fence-bmw-talk-south-carolina.html

"He also confirmed "M" versions of ...X6."

And of course, there's sifting through any posts I have made as this is all I care about, the X6M, and countless confirmations from different members...God Help BMW If They Don't Deliver--

 

[coolraoul]

M creating a SUV, surely applying AWD to some other model, and maybe thinking to use a turbo (hence: not high-reving) motor...

AMG creating N/A cars, a dirty C63 with a better steering than the M3 and recognized as more hard-core...

I never would have thought it one year ago!!

"World turns around. Time goes on. (Tehnological) Progress is rapid. Open your mind!"
You're right, EnI, you're right. Maybe even more than you think

 

[RBP]

The "purist" argument for RWD is kinda silly in my opinion. My that logic, power windows, air conditioning and a radio aren't "purist".

All the best technology should go in to all the best cars.