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      12-07-2017, 10:57 AM   #1
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New BMW G80 M3 to Lead 26 New M Division Models Blitz by 2020

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Interesting article from Autocar regarding the future of M Cars.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...sion-onslaught

BMW’s M division is to take the fight to Mercedes- AMG and Audi Sport by staging a major expansion of its line-up.

A series of new M and slightly softer M-Performance models is planned, with the overall aim of clawing back the sales advantage currently being enjoyed by the performance divisions of its arch-rivals.

At the heart of M’s new-car development progamme is the sixth-generation M3 and its mechanically identical sibling, the second-generation M4 Coupé and Cabriolet. The next BMW M3 is tentatively scheduled to make its world debut at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, prior to the start of UK sales in early 2020.

The architect of the plan to broaden the M line-up is Frank van Meel, the 51-year-old Dutch-born engineer poached from Audi Sport (formerly Quattro) in 2014 to lead BMW’s performance car division. Van Meel described the new M3 as a linchpin in BMW M’s plans to match Mercedes-AMG with combined global sales of M and M-Performance models of more than 100,000 per year in the longer term.

“Along with the M5, the M3 is a crucial car for BMW M,” he said. “It wasn’t the first fully fledged M car but it continues to stand for everything the brand is based upon.”

Based on the new 3 Series, the M3 is set to adopt the latest evolution of BMW’s CLAR platform, a structural basis already used by the 5 Series and 7 Series and their M variants, the M5 and M760iX.

Through the greater use of aluminium and high-strength steel, the new platform is claimed to play an integral role in reducing the weight of the new M3 despite an increase in its exterior dimensions.

In addition to the new platform, BMW M is also planning to provide the new M3 with a number of lightweight carbonfibre components as standard in a bid to further bring the car’s weight below the 1585kg of the recently unveiled M3 CS. Although nothing is official, the new M3 is expected to follow the lead taken by the latest M5 in featuring a carbonfibre roof as standard.

Earlier reports suggested the new M3 would be powered by a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain with a gearbox-mounted electric motor providing additional performance via an extra driving mode. However, sources at BMW M say those reports were wildly speculative. The latest word from M division’s Garching headquarters is that the M3 will stick with a conventional combustion engine in the form of an upgraded version of BMW M’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder unit mated to either a standard-fit six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic.

Details remain scarce, although a combination of both mechanical and software developments are claimed to raise power by nearly 10% beyond the evolution of the engine used by today’s M3 at around 465bhp. That’s 21bhp more than today’s M3 Competition and 9bhp more than the new M3 CS.

The same sources have told Autocar that the next M3 is likely to remain rear-wheel drive, with earlier plans to provide it with a fully variable four-wheel-drive system similar to that offered on the new M5 now ruled out because of cost and weight.

Full-blown M variants of the recently introduced third-generation X3, second- generation X4, upcoming fourth-generation Z4 and resurrected 8 Series feature among the hot new BMW models already undergoing development at BMW M’s workshops. The new 8 Series is set to sire two new M models in coupé and cabriolet bodystyles that will act as upmarket replacements for the existing M6 Coupé and Cabriolet.

Also slated for launch within the next two years, according to well-placed BMW M division sources, are a number of new mid-range four-wheel-drive M-Performance models. These include powered-up variants of the new X2, next year’s sixth-generation 3 Series and the all-new X7 — models that are aimed at providing stiff competition to Mercedes- AMG’s upcoming GLA 35, C43 and GLE 43, among others. Other new BMW M cars are on the drawing board but have yet to be officially committed to production. Among them are M-Performance variants of the upcoming 4 Series GT as well as the second-generation 4 Series Coupé and Cabriolet — all due out in standard guise in 2019.

BMW M’s strategy has been described to Autocar as the most ambitious yet undertaken by the performance division. Hot on the heels of the recently revealed new 592bhp M5, it plans to add up to 26 new or enhanced models by the end of 2020: 11 hardcore M models and 15 M-Performance variants.

As well as concentrating its efforts on bolstering the line-up with fresh new models, BMW M is also planning to sharpen its appeal through the launch of image-leading track-based variants within each model line.

This will echo the approach taken with the recent introduction of the M3 CS and M4 CS. They will be complemented in 2018 by a similarly conceived version of the M2, which is also planned to receive a 400bhp-plus version of BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine together with various aerodynamic and weight- saving measures to enhance its performance potential.

BMW M has turned its attention to more affordable models, too. Nothing is official, but in a bid to match the likes of the Audi S3 and upcoming Mercedes-AMG A35, early development work has started on an M-Performance variant of the third-generation 1 Series, which forgoes the rear-wheel drive of today’s model for front-wheel drive.

As with a similarly conceived M-Performance variant of the newly unveiled X2, it is set to be offered exclusively in four- wheel-drive guise featuring a powered-up version of BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four- cylinder, which, in a first for an official BMW M model, will be mounted transversely.

Van Meel played an integral role in the widening of Audi’s performance car portfolio with a combination of both S and RS models. Now he has applied this similar strategy to BMW M’s activities using a modular drivetrain strategy and technology drawn from other areas of BMW’s vast operations. This includes the sourcing of lightweight carbonfibre technology originally developed for the company’s i-branded models.

Van Meel said: “BMW itself has significantly more models than BMW M. But we are looking at where we can expand our programme in the future. There is huge potential for growth. We are looking at all BMW models to see if we can make an M or M-Performance model out of them, although there must be sufficiently large customer demand before we commit. With M-Performance, we can reach buyers not possible with classic M models.”
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      12-07-2017, 11:05 AM   #2
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Quote:
“Along with the M5, the M3 is a crucial car for BMW M,” he said. “It wasn’t the first fully fledged M car but it continues to stand for everything the brand is based upon.
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      12-07-2017, 11:21 AM   #3
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Quote:
The next BMW M3 is tentatively scheduled to make its world debut at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, prior to the start of UK sales in early 2020.
If true, that would mark the first time ever that a new generation M3 sedan debuts and goes on sale before the prior generation coupe exits the market. Traditionally this has not been workable because the sedan shares the front end body work with the coupe. Could they be moving away from parts commonality of that sort? Possible. However, I remain skeptical (yet cautiously optimistic).

Quote:
Although nothing is official, the new M3 is expected to follow the lead taken by the latest M5 in featuring a carbonfibre roof as standard.
That's not a new feature - the F80 M3 has a standard carbon fiber roof.
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      12-07-2017, 11:36 AM   #4
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You get an M! You get an M! We all get an M!

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      12-07-2017, 12:40 PM   #5
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I'd love to see one of those 26 variants be a true competitor to the AMG GT (in love with) and 911 but also come with a manual. That would be a dream come true
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      12-07-2017, 12:42 PM   #6
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That's weird. Along with the "standard CF roof" BS on the M3, as pointed out above, they say they're already working on a Z4 M, even though numerous rumors said it wouldn't be feasible? That they wont do it? No M8 GC even though the 6GC outsold both coupe and convertible? Highly unlikely.

I dont want to start the whole "halo sports car" talk, but if they want to go after AMG and RS, they know what they have to do. And so does BMW. The M division can make cars faster, but based on cars such as the G30, it is just a very fast boring car.
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      12-07-2017, 12:46 PM   #7
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If they had been more aggressive with their HP figures I might actually care but bmw is starting to remind me of subaru (staying at 300 HP for a decade)

The M2 CS should be 500, the mperf should be 400, etc but instead they make tiny bumps and charge huge premiums for variants with locked down, crippled ECUs
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      12-07-2017, 12:48 PM   #8
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thanks for sharing this article with us!
But its too early to the next gen M3 arrives, more likely to be around one year later. And hybrid power train is also unlikely due its cost and weight.
Much easier for BMW to use the same gear box and differential of the F90 M5 on the new M3. (as they did on the F10 and F80 generations, even the gear ratio was the same!)
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      12-07-2017, 12:49 PM   #9
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When I look at the BMW line-up, that's the first thing that jumps out at me. There aren't enough choices.



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      12-07-2017, 12:51 PM   #10
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Soooo, the next M3 will get another improved version of the S55, internally known as the S58 I have heard. This will mean another 7 years of terrible exhaust notes. No thanks! I'd rather have the next M3 go full electric than to have to hear that weed-wacker engine noise for many more years to come.
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      12-07-2017, 12:54 PM   #11
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The article mentions 11 M and 15 M Performance vehicles. I'm not sure where they got those figures from, but in any case, here's a list of known upcoming M and M Performance vehicles (in rough order by release date):

M:

F87 M2 CS

F97 X3M
F98 X4M

F91 M8 Convertible
F92 M8
F93 M8 GC

F95 X5M
F96 X6M

G80 M3
G82 M4
G83 M4 Convertible

M Performance:

G02 X4 M40i

G29 Z4 M40i

F48 X1 M35i
F39 X2 M35i

G20 M340i
G21 M340i

F40 M135i
F52 M135i
F44 M235i

G14 M850i
G15 M850i
G16 M850i

G22 M440i
G23 M440i

G05 X5 M50i

That satisfies the counts that Autocar gave. However, also possible (likely, even) are:

G42 M240i
G43 M240i
G24 M440i GT
G26 M440i GC
G32 M650i GT
G06 X6 M50i
G07 X7 M50i
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      12-07-2017, 12:57 PM   #12
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Kill me if the M3 comes with an automatic.
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      12-07-2017, 01:01 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RPiM5 View Post
Soooo, the next M3 will get another improved version of the S55, internally known as the S58 I have heard. This will mean another 7 years of terrible exhaust notes. No thanks! I'd rather have the next M3 go full electric than to have to hear that weed-wacker engine noise for many more years to come.
why would you subject yourself to a sound that you don't like to hear? sounds like you need to stop going to every saturday car meet
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      12-07-2017, 01:04 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
The article mentions 11 M and 15 M performance vehicles. I'm not sure where they got those figures from, but in any case, here's a list of known upcoming M and M Performance vehicles:
My thoughts on the 11 m cars:

1. M2 6. x2m 11. Z4m
2. M3 7. x3m
3. M4 8. x4m
4. M5 9. x5m
5. M8 10. x6m
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      12-07-2017, 01:04 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
Kill me if the M3 comes with an automatic.
It already does.
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      12-07-2017, 01:05 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
Kill me if the M3 comes with an automatic.
DCT is dead. Hate to tell you. We're lucky the next M3 will still come with a Manual, like really lucky.
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      12-07-2017, 01:12 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeokimster View Post
My thoughts on the 11 m cars:

1. M2 6. x2m 11. Z4m
2. M3 7. x3m
3. M4 8. x4m
4. M5 9. x5m
5. M8 10. x6m
That's a nice wishlist, but some of those, such as the X2 M, are not happening. A Z4 M is not currently scheduled either, though it could theoretically change. The M5 already launched.

The list I provided is based on known model codes from leaks and insiders. It is not 100% guaranteed that each model will in fact make it to production, but at this point the chances are much more likely than not.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RPiM5 View Post
DCT is dead. Hate to tell you. We're lucky the next M3 will still come with a Manual, like really lucky.
Actually, it is not yet known that the G80 M3 will have a manual transmission option.
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      12-07-2017, 01:12 PM   #18
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Why some many full fledged M and M-Performance vehicles? I, for one, am somewhat against this move.

Yes, an increase in both performance enhancements and model choices is a plus. But what about the excitement you get from owning/driving an exclusive, performance driven full fledged M vehicle?

I must be honest, as I've never driven a true M car. I'm actually on my second BMW ever (First was a '09 335xi e92, currently '12 335xi e92 Msport), but look forward to one day owning a true M.

But isn't part of the experience knowing that the M cars you strive to drive, tower above a regular BMW model, in performance and looks? What excitement can BMW be generating, when the increase in M variety/flavors is just saying "Yeah this is just slightly better than the lower trim level, but not as good as the next two trim levels above it."

I personally feel like this will dilute the M line. Why not just advance the options for performance and looks within the standard BMW line, while reserving the M title for the true highest end performance versions?
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      12-07-2017, 01:14 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
It already does.
it does? hmmm, you sure about that

not having a manual clutch does not = automatic transmission
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      12-07-2017, 01:19 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mako View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
It already does.
it does? hmmm, you sure about that

not having a manual clutch does not = automatic transmission
Yes. Yes it does. One is overly complicated and bad at low speeds while being unable to handle torque and the other is less complicated, rated for like 770lb-ft and good at low speed. Both can be manually overridden and both can shift by themselves. They're both autos.
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      12-07-2017, 01:20 PM   #21
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Will any of the next gen M cars have a DCT?

It sounds like the M3/4 are going the same way as the new M5 (ZF autos instead)....maybe there’s hope for the M2?
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      12-07-2017, 01:20 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mako View Post
it does? hmmm, you sure about that

not having a manual clutch does not = automatic transmission
Let's reserve that debate for another thread.

I'll leave you with this to ponder: if you are a BMW salesman and a customer comes up to you and asks to test a high performance sport sedan with a manual transmission, and you show them an M3 DCT, what reaction would you expect? Similarly, if a customer comes up to you and asks to test a high performance sport sedan with an automatic transmission, and you show them that same car, what reaction might you get?
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