SCOTT27
Lap Time Luminary
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My PM box has been buzzing with messages relating to extensiVe queries on why the M3 has sullied it's iconic status ( It hasn't) And why the X6 is not as radical as first thought to be .
The M3 is the next phase of M3 the next stage of an icon but throughout the history each model transforms each generation with a level of excitement than the previous as someone who has driven the car extensively , ie more than a few hours and takes delivery of an example in the next few weeks and has used M3 production prototypes nearly every week ever since I took it for a photoshoot in Dubai I am very pleased with the progress .
In truth the M3 is the grown up more mature performance coupe it has followed the lead as taken by the regular BMW 3er Coupe and has moved upwards. BMW want to see it move away from the adolescent challengers such as the big and brashed larged engined C-Klasse and the RS4 .
When the M3 was released in early 2000 there was no M6 only the M5 and the MCoupe/Roadster - It was therefore BMW's topline performance Coupe with the advent of the 6er the positioning for a top range coupe to surpass everything the E46 M3 did right was far to important to ignore - It was BMW's answer to silence the ridiculous outputs as generated by Mercedes-Benz - make it fast, make it handle , make it responsible , make it advanced ahead than it's rival. Now the M6 is positioned as the top end performance Coupe in BMW's range and although the M3 has the potential to surpass the M6 BMW does not want this as it cannot afford the have it's top costing performance car being surpassed and made obsolete by it's little brother.
The M6 will be surpassed of course by another incarnation of the M6 as will the M3 be surpassed these are of course in development and will be radically different in all aspects from the production cars - Many people comment as they did on Spain over the "commercialism"of the M badge mainly because of the comparisons to AMG . Maybe M has become more commercial but the case for it to grow has always been to great to ignore . For those that await the hardcore M cars the wait will almost be over. These cars will be foar more performance orientated , lighter and dynamically superior and louder than their regular counterparts.
But on the subject of the BMW 3er Coupe and the BMW M3 no longer being the entry Coupe now that the introduction of the 1 series Coupe has landed it gives the greatest reply to why the M3 has maturered.
In these days you cannot restore the M3 with the characteristic , handling and weight of the first generation E30 model - Technology and safety advances have rendered this obsolete. With the 1er Coupe you see the potential and of course you read the denials but the basis for a totally raw entry performance coupe is staring you right in the face. You might cringe with the 135i Coupe's weight but BMW will not surpass such a car without it's strong acknowledgement and desire to use lightweight materials in such a car.
Regarding the X6 how can you not say it is not radical?
Although some of the final shots do not appear to showcase the proposed radicality - It is seen within BMW as radical for a production autombile as well as radical for a BMW.
Although poor comparisons with the Pontiac Aztec show more than the lack of knowledge of the writer of such comments as in such cases the Aztec was like the Opel Signum - interesting concepts on the table but poorly executed.
Granted the final look might appear uninspiring with 17"wheels , and some light disguise . But this is not the car you will see in the press photographs .
What you hae not seen is the huge alloys the full swept back look of the headlights and the low slung roof and coupe like rear screen .
The X6 is proof that BMW are furnishing their own agenda and not following any other manufacturer - As many expected BMW to come forward with a CLS rival in direct competition , Likewise the F3/F5 which are nowhere near direct idnentikits of the B/R-Klasse models. Look at the successful X3 now the rivals are catching up then after a quick tussle it will be generation II .
Look even at the 1er Coupe - Mercedes are now developing their rivals and according to German sources Audi are grafting on a boot to the current A3 when the Cabrio arrives. Audi and Mercedes know that the introduction of the 1er Coupe and cabrio to the US market is very big news indeed.
X6 will be the best driving car in it's class
The M3 is the next phase of M3 the next stage of an icon but throughout the history each model transforms each generation with a level of excitement than the previous as someone who has driven the car extensively , ie more than a few hours and takes delivery of an example in the next few weeks and has used M3 production prototypes nearly every week ever since I took it for a photoshoot in Dubai I am very pleased with the progress .
In truth the M3 is the grown up more mature performance coupe it has followed the lead as taken by the regular BMW 3er Coupe and has moved upwards. BMW want to see it move away from the adolescent challengers such as the big and brashed larged engined C-Klasse and the RS4 .
When the M3 was released in early 2000 there was no M6 only the M5 and the MCoupe/Roadster - It was therefore BMW's topline performance Coupe with the advent of the 6er the positioning for a top range coupe to surpass everything the E46 M3 did right was far to important to ignore - It was BMW's answer to silence the ridiculous outputs as generated by Mercedes-Benz - make it fast, make it handle , make it responsible , make it advanced ahead than it's rival. Now the M6 is positioned as the top end performance Coupe in BMW's range and although the M3 has the potential to surpass the M6 BMW does not want this as it cannot afford the have it's top costing performance car being surpassed and made obsolete by it's little brother.
The M6 will be surpassed of course by another incarnation of the M6 as will the M3 be surpassed these are of course in development and will be radically different in all aspects from the production cars - Many people comment as they did on Spain over the "commercialism"of the M badge mainly because of the comparisons to AMG . Maybe M has become more commercial but the case for it to grow has always been to great to ignore . For those that await the hardcore M cars the wait will almost be over. These cars will be foar more performance orientated , lighter and dynamically superior and louder than their regular counterparts.
But on the subject of the BMW 3er Coupe and the BMW M3 no longer being the entry Coupe now that the introduction of the 1 series Coupe has landed it gives the greatest reply to why the M3 has maturered.
In these days you cannot restore the M3 with the characteristic , handling and weight of the first generation E30 model - Technology and safety advances have rendered this obsolete. With the 1er Coupe you see the potential and of course you read the denials but the basis for a totally raw entry performance coupe is staring you right in the face. You might cringe with the 135i Coupe's weight but BMW will not surpass such a car without it's strong acknowledgement and desire to use lightweight materials in such a car.
Regarding the X6 how can you not say it is not radical?
Although some of the final shots do not appear to showcase the proposed radicality - It is seen within BMW as radical for a production autombile as well as radical for a BMW.
Although poor comparisons with the Pontiac Aztec show more than the lack of knowledge of the writer of such comments as in such cases the Aztec was like the Opel Signum - interesting concepts on the table but poorly executed.
Granted the final look might appear uninspiring with 17"wheels , and some light disguise . But this is not the car you will see in the press photographs .
What you hae not seen is the huge alloys the full swept back look of the headlights and the low slung roof and coupe like rear screen .
The X6 is proof that BMW are furnishing their own agenda and not following any other manufacturer - As many expected BMW to come forward with a CLS rival in direct competition , Likewise the F3/F5 which are nowhere near direct idnentikits of the B/R-Klasse models. Look at the successful X3 now the rivals are catching up then after a quick tussle it will be generation II .
Look even at the 1er Coupe - Mercedes are now developing their rivals and according to German sources Audi are grafting on a boot to the current A3 when the Cabrio arrives. Audi and Mercedes know that the introduction of the 1er Coupe and cabrio to the US market is very big news indeed.
X6 will be the best driving car in it's class
) and somewhat controversial post Scott. Thank you for the feedback.
