Quote:
Originally Posted by N54Yankee
M1 for the 21st century
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Humdizzle
previous gen Z4 M coupe with the S65 v8
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More specifically, I really wished BMW utilized the S85/S65 platform to its full potential (I've mentioned this missed opportunity more than a few times on this board):
- An S65/S85 powered mid-engined 21st century M1 with carbon fiber construction and a modern manual gearbox paired with a DCT option would have made for a phenomenal and legendary supercar and I'm of the opinion that the S65/S85 were far superior engines than the V8 (also shared with the B7 RS4) and V10 engines in the first generation R8 (which would have been its closest competitor). I can only imagine what one or two more generations of further development would have yielded from that platform. Mind you the R8 continued on development and eventually its V10 was massaged to 8700 RPM & 600+ HP. Now imagine if the S65/S85 platform got the same amount of time for continued development/evolution.
- An S65 powered 1M and/or Z4 M (E89) was the second (and third) missed opportunity. BMW was able to use the S54 in all previous small 'M Coupes' before then. There really was no reason why BMW couldn't offer a small M with the contemporary M3 engine as they did with the S54 and as they do now with the S55, especially since they were racing Z4 GT3s with motorsport versions of the S65 (P65) anyway. Emissions, no business case, late 2000s economic calamity, or BMW not listening to enthusiasts...we'll never know...but many of us agree that what a pity that ship sailed.