According to Carston Pries – head of product development at BMW M – future M models will have at the core six-cylinder engines and a rear-wheel drive architecture.
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“If you also look at the M performance models we have added over the last three or four years they have rear-wheel drive as the standard setting and also have six cylinder engines…this combination of six cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive is not just a USP in marketing terms but it is something that really attracts people to our brand,” Pries said.
Of course, the larger M models – like the M5, M6 and M SUVs – will continue to use larger displacements in form of V8 TwinTurbo engines, but for the first time, the M5 and M6 models are likely to receive an optional all-wheel drive.
When questioned about future front-wheel drive M models – based on the assumption that some cars like the 1 Series are moving towards a front-wheel drive platform – Pries said the Motorsport division will look ahead and explore any opportunities, if they make sense.
“If the framework changes in the future, we have to look then at what we can do in terms of a proper or decent M offer.”
The next generation of M cars is due out in 2018 when the 7th generation M5 will come to market.
[Source: Motoring]
Will there only be a concept on the 7 of march or a production car as well ?
Futuristic concept, a look into the future, not a production car
So the ‘DNA’ of M brand is ‘small’ cars like the M2 that weigh 20kg less than my F30 328i touring? Not just that, but the ‘DNA’ excludes the 2002tii, the 2002 turbo, 318is and the E30 M3. More like M will stand for AWD overpowered monsters with the mass of a death star and about as much steering feel and connection to the road.
Is there anyone who doesn’t think the M2 would be a better car if it weighed 150kg (!) less, which happens to be the weight of a 228i? BMW had plenty of 6cyl engines when they made the first M3, but they picked a 4 cyl for a reason, weight. Not only did it weigh less, but that weight was behind the front axle, making a car that turned better.
I understand that sporty driving is now defined by mashing the accelerator in a straight line, or going sideways making lots of smoke. I totally get that what sells is heavy luxo-boats with enough cylinders and hp to compensate for the owner’s other failings but what I wouldn’t give to have a light, tight and bright rwd coupe that focused on faithfully responding to driver input.
I don’t know what to think about this. Merc and Audi, as well as Volvo introduced performance models powered by 2 or 2,5l, 4 cylinders engines that generate over 300 hp. And they are doing OK. I kinda don’t agree with this conservative thinking at BMW. They are loosing ground to Audi and especially Mercedes.
Yeah yeah, no 4 cylinders…. until we decide it’s a good idea, and we hope you forget the statement we made today. We all know how BMW gave up on RWD/AWD only….
G series M2 will probably only save 150 lbs. for a lot more money.
There will be a 4 cylinder M car for sure…the competitors are doing it and raking in the cash and I’m sure BMW won’t want to be left out in that sense. Just imagine the profits they will make if they turn the 1 Series sedan/hatch into a M car. The M customer base will grow by leaps and bounds and the shareholders will scream for joy.
Probably will be one, not for a long time.