M-division chief reveals near term plans

[LeMansX5]

The high-performance arm of BMW has provided quite a lot of fodder for speculation recently, with the M1 Homage concept, an expected 1-series tii vehicle, and its somewhat bizarre focus on SUVs and crossovers. To help clear the air - if only somewhat - BMW's M Division development head Albert Biermann has given some answers about the Bavarian company's high-performance future.

Some of the detail discussed is already well-known, or at least completely expected. For example, there will be no M3 CSL since demand is low and the cost of development and construction would be high. Likewise, no 7-series M-model is in the works because it would run somewhat contrary to the M Division's philosophy of light, agile and powerful cars, reports the German language Auto-News. Finally, an M-treatment of the 1-series is similarly off the books, though only because it would be difficult to add performance to the car without impinging on the M3's performance - at a significantly lower price point.

Speculation of a new M1, based around the M1 Homage concept, remains rampant despite the company's vociferous denials of any such project. However, if the M1 is a design study only, runs the speculation, why would it incorporate pedestrian-protection-derived design elements? It is, of course, speculation that the law was the motivating factor behind the lack of pop-up headlights like those of the original M1, rather than simply a modernized styling element.

The crossover and SUV-focus for the M Division is a highly practical one, in the end. The X6 has already booked a half year of sales in advance, and so the company thinks an M version would have similar high sales figures. More sales mean more profit, and that is the goal of any business.

Other new elements of the M Division's business plan include the development of a range of racing and performance accessories. Carbon-ceramic brakes, roll cages and more track-specific safety and speed add-ons are hoped to prove a profitable arm of the business.

The ongoing emissions and fuel consumption battle between carmakers and governments worldwide is not as much a primary consideration for the M Division, according to Biermann, because its customers are not concerned with the price of fuel. Nevertheless, some technological innovations such as stop-start will be employed on M cars to help appease those drivers concerned with the environment. Like many other companies, BMW's M Division is also looking at the possibility of adding turbochargers to more and different engines to help maintain high power levels while complying with emissions standards.