German Car Zone

There has been a lot of media regarding what projects have been axed in definitely because of the economic downturn. Here is what the media says about BMW and what is really going on behind the scenes.

BMW

GT lightweight four-door coupé - BMW Concept CS. : CANCELLED
M1 supercar - Production M1 Hommage. : CANCELLED
GT2 (the Z8 replacement) : CANCELLED
GT3 (based on next 3-series) -Next Z4 Coupe : HIATUS
X7, Seven seater luxury SAV with V12. : CANCELLED
X4 coupé Sport Activity Sedan : HIATUS
1-series shooting brake, : ACTIVE
6-series shooting brake : CANCELLED.

Yes we know about the demise of the beautiful CS Concept something I had hoped would have made it to production. Although the V12 was to power the range topper the M Division had plans for a ballistic high performance version of the V12 in which the car which would have been designated BMW 7er Gran Turismo, would have been a serious preformance flagship for BMW.

The M1 Hommage was purely intended for a design exercise only but BMW began to investigate if people would get their cheque books out for a limited production version powered by either the V8 from the M3 or the incoming V8 Turbo found with the X5/X6 M models.
When you seperate demand from the dreamers there was no specific case for a strategy.

BMW have always had one concept in mind for a replacement for a Z8 - The California Spyder Project which made it through the final stages but abandoned for the CS Concept. A Gina style resurrection is on the cards as BMW will show the car in the run up something exciting and highly relevant today , for tomorrow . The California Spyder was a "0" emisssions vehicle as it was purely based on the hydrogen 7.

Whether or not BMW add a Z4 Coupe to the E89 is all dependent on sales response , the previous coupe was introduced to increase sales to the Z4 E85. Now with the two both combined as both a Roadster and Coupe , the need for a coupe model has been diminished. Although a Coupe was created alongside the E89 it offered nothing new designwise except a fixed roof. Sales of the new Z4 have been exceptional so do not expect a return for a Z4 Coupe.

X7 was purely abandoned on the basis that the X5 does the same job , and that a larger premium SAV was the last thing BMW needed to get involved with. The X5 is adequate to be the top line BMW SAV.

As part of the interesting design Concepts BMW intended for a sister vehicle to accompany the X3 to take a new niche and a new approach in defying the conventional approach to an SAV. So the Sport activity Sedan was designed - a commanding driving position with a semi sedan shape was certainly unique and interesting , about the size of a 3er with a very sculpted body and SAV typical road height it would have been interesting to see it in public.

As part of the current move to focus on the compact segment , the segment which will be completely about growth , there are many variations on the new modular structure of the next 1er under discussion for inclusion to broaden the appeal of the 1er for new customers.
And that includes investigating new vehicle trends and specifically indentifing customers needs of what they would would consider in the compact segment.

The GT 6 will be identified by the next generation 6er about 2014.
An additional Shooting Brake has now been terminated in favour of the unique four door coupe configuration.

[quote]

Two engines have been developed and are currently being evaluated either in prototypes on on the bench. No decision has been made because the overall decision relies on what is best for the car.
a KERS system will be a feature exclusive to the M5 and there will be a big noise about this because it is a connection to BMW's Efficient Dynamics programme.


The super luxury performance sedan segment will be in the hands of ALPINA.

I really hate "high attitude" posts like this because it sums up the ignorance of the poster, Joint development in engines is purely that - jointly developed - then the respective company works on their respective requirements whist keeping the engines individual for the brand.
A BMW developed engine will always inherit the BMW characteristics the Brand showcases so there is no fear to accept that this is a bad thing for BMW.

With the exception of the X7 (which I'm surprised, the way things are going I'd expect an M X7 version)... I am very disappointed by the cancellations.

Notably sad are the cancellations of the GT, GT2 and M1.

Very little coming from BMW that stirs inspiration.

M5 getting same engine as X5M . Booring!!!. Its just getting worse and worse for BMW. If it continues like this, their sportsmodels have officially lost attraction in my eyes.

The next M5 will surely get the engine from the trucks. No doubt.

Regarding the PSA engines, like those found in the MINI Cooper S and the Peugeot 207 RC, there is not much separating the two. I think this is a good strategy, prices will drop considerably (people would demand a rather good cut in price when "Peugeot" engines are used, I know I would) and maybe this time the quality issues will not be that many.

Nice to hear that the subject of a new CSL is not mentioned, when going by BMW logic, that must be a good sign.

^ LOL, my naive fanboy mind starts spinning again

Doubt, because an experimental V10 twin turbo is in development too The 4.4 V8 from X5 M with two added cylinders.
The engine choice of the new M5 is far from final.

I guess I am alone in wanting to see the TT V8 from the X5/X6 M in a lighter and sportier vehicle. Although with a different transmission. Of course a turbo V10 sounds even more fantastic.

And What is on the radar.

BMW 1er EDi : Active HYBRID
BMW 1er Coupe Supersports
BMW 1er Coupe Supersports CSL
BMW 1er Coupe Supersports Diesel
BMW 3er Coupe Supersports
BMW 3er Coupe Supersports Diesel
BMW Z2 Roadster
BMW Z2 Roadster Hybrid (Project-i)
BMW Z2 Coupe
BMW Z2 Coupe Hybrid (Project-i)
BMW 1er Gran Turismo
BMW 3er Gran Turismo
BMW 6er Gran Turismo
BMW 530d Active HYBRID
BMW 5er Active HYBRID
BMW 5er Gran Turismo Active HYBRID
BMW 5er, 6er ,7er, X5, X6 - Tri-Turbo Diesel.
BMW X1 Active HYBRID
BMW X3 Active HYBRID
BMW X5 Active HYBRID

By 2016 Every BMW model will be available as either Petrol or Diesel or Hybrid variation.

And what is under consideration :

BMW Y series.
BMW Z4 SuperSport
BMW 1er Kombi-Sport (Think 1600/2002 Touring)

The X1 and 5er Gran Turismo event is taking place today , but like the Gran Turismo Concept reveal there is an embargo, until the X1 has been publically revealed.

...and quite a few of them are really interesting!

No Z2 SuperSport?
Will the SuperSport-Name be changed in the future? I mean, just because of the possible short form SS...
Is the 1er SuperSport CSL really planned or also "under consideration"?
Are all the cars not listed under "under consideration" really planned? I would like it, but I can't believe it at the moment :-)
Will the 1er SuperSports Diesel feature an updated version of the 23d-engine? Or something completely new?
When is the Tri-Turbo Diesel going to be introduced? Late 2009 or even later?

Thanks a lot for your answers :-)

1er supersports CSL with a turbo engine i suppose.

No thank you.

8500 rpm ///M high rev 6 cil with 340hp en 1250kg i am in. If not a GT3 will be my next car.