The Light Fantastic...

[SCOTT27]

To support it’s return to the Tokyo autoshow in December after BMW’s 2009Hiatus. (the consensus is we will still be there , despite the tragedy)

BMW M will showcase on something that is outgoing but a current M car.
But is an Engineering Concept that will show the possibilities of how BMW M can progress in relation to a full lightweight concept in bodyshell and chassis in the future. Normally it's key principle is of course Motorsport, but it is about giving you an insight into future application within a road car.

It is to showcase BMW Innovation but as well as materials used in today's M cars such as Aluminium , Magnesium , Thermo-Plastic and Carbon Fibre in key areas , but also using the ideas in greater capacity and the technology from the BMWi programme which is why BMW has invested in it's future . Mass volume production of CFRP will be able to filter through to BMW’s core product strategy.

It is more of an “Engineering , Material Technology and Performance showcase” than a visual one. It wont make production though it is purely an idea lab.

In a way Similiar to the Concept 1er Tii @ Tokyo 2007. it is not the 1M.

 

[Sunny]

Let me guess - a lightweight M3 concept that will never see production.

 

[Deleted member 25]

I remember some talks about an M3 GTS-R.

 

[bmer]

Let me guess - a lightweight M3 concept that will never see production.

Or even more cruel, a Z4 M Coupe concept with M3's V8 and a fixed CF roof (and naturally no production plans).

 

[Sunny]

Or even more cruel, a Z4 M Coupe concept with M3's V8 and a fixed CF roof (and naturally no production plans).

I wish, but he says it is based on "outgoing but current M car". First the one off M5 CSL and now this, I don't see the point of these one offs at the end of a car's life.

 

[bmer]

I wish, but he says it is based on "outgoing but current M car". First the one off M5 CSL and now this, I don't see the point of these one offs at the end of a car's life.

"Outgoing" is an interesting word choice. The M3 Coupe is the oldest car in the M model range but it's far from being replaced soon, that will likely happen in late 2013/early 2014. M6 Coupe/Cabrio production ended already last year so they are out of the question as SCOTT said "current M car". The only thing I can think of is that BMW has decided that M3 Sedan production will soon be discontinued as it hasn't achieved its sales target.

PS. My secret wish is that they have decided to discontinue both X5 M & X6 M.

 

[SCOTT27]

It's genetic make-up is the pinnacle of the definition,
"Coupe Sport Lightweight".

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

it's genetic make-up is the pinnacle of the definition,
"coupe sport lightweight".

m3 csl....

 

[Sunny]

"Outgoing" is an interesting word choice. The M3 Coupe is the oldest car in the M model range but it's far from being replaced soon, that will likely happen in late 2013/early 2014. M6 Coupe/Cabrio production ended already last year so they are out of the question as SCOTT said "current M car". The only thing I can think of is that BMW has decided that M3 Sedan production will soon be discontinued as it hasn't achieved its sales target.

PS. My secret wish is that they have decided to discontinue both X5 M & X6 M.

I believe M3 production ends 1st or 2nd quarter of 2012.

 

[bmer]

I believe M3 production ends 1st or 2nd quarter of 2012.

You mean the Coupe? That would mean a long gap between the production end of the current M3 Coupe and the release of the new M3 Coupe but it does appear so that we'll actually see an E92 M3 CSL, although only as a concept.

 

[Sunny]

You mean the Coupe? That would mean a long gap between the production end of the current M3 Coupe and the release of the new M3 Coupe but it does appear so that we'll actually see an E92 M3 CSL, although only as a concept.

I think sedan is early 2012 and coupe is late 2012. South might know for sure.

 

[klier]

^ Didn't the sedan come after the coupe??? Regardless, they will end production at the same time, when they stop making the NA M V8

I don't see the point of these one offs at the end of a car's life.

Well I do see the point, as they showcase BMW know-how in lightweight tech, and what we can expect for future M cars

PS. My secret wish is that they have decided to discontinue both X5 M & X6 M.

Strange secret wish. In what way do they hurt you?

 

[south]

I think sedan is early 2012 and coupe is late 2012. South might know for sure.

E90 M3 production ends later this year (around Nov) as 2011 model. E92 M3 and E93 M3 will continue as 2012 models and be available in 2012. Beyond that I don't know, unfortunately.


Best regards,
south

 

[klier]

^^ Must be because M3 sedan E90 is a failure sales wise.....

 

[south]

Nah, it's because the F30 is knocking at the door.


Best regards,
south

 

[bmer]

In that case I think it will be an E90 M3 CSL. I guess that would make slightly more sense as the GTS is based on the E92.

 

[klier]

^ It's not going into production, so it might as will be a CSL version of the E93, with a folding carbon hardtop

Nah, it's because the F30 is knocking at the door.

Best regards,
south

That's convenient to say
It also makes things even worse: later on sale, earlier ending production, and sales that never caught up.

 

[bmer]

I really hope BMW gives the S65 a new life under the hood of a Z4 M after the M3 production ends, just like they did with the S54. Such masterpiece truly deserves to remain in production.

 

[Zafiro]

I really hope BMW gives the S65 a new life under the hood of a Z4 M after the M3 production ends, just like they did with the S54. Such masterpiece truly deserves to remain in production.

I suggest they skip Z4 Roadster and building a Z4M Coupé instead. Fixed roof

 

[klier]

Z4 M coupe with the facelift of the Z4, with an early version of the next gen I6 TT M engine!