“In spring
2012, BMW M GmbH will unveil a new
product range for drivers seeking a particularly sporty driving experience, yet who also value the familiar comfort and practicality of BMW models” is how the
information pack begins. Confused? You
aren’t alone. Except if you continue reading you’ll start to understand better.
Yes, the BMW M
GmbH Division (known simply as M
Division) already produces cars. Why, they’ve been for many years now,
including icons like the M3 and M5. So what’s this new line all about
exactly? Well it seems there’s space above everyday BMWs and below the mighty M
cars. Here’s an example. The current M3 makes 309kW, while its nearest sibling is way down at 225kW in the form of a 335i. Clearly there’s a gap here. Similarly
between the 550i’s 300kW and the M5’s 412kW, there exists
some form of middle ground. BMW says it has found it.
The new derivatives will be called M Performance Automobiles and are being
developed by the M side along with regular M cars as we speak. They will
feature both petrol and diesel motors, as well as the xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD)
system. Case in point are the upcoming X5 and X6 M 50d xDrive, and the M 550d,
all of which have been spied and are rumoured to feature a compact diesel unit
with three turbos underneath. Speculated power is around 280kW and 740Nm. So they
are like the 550i / X5 xDrive50i but
with a little less power, more torque and better fuel usage.
M Performance Automobiles officially launches at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show in
March. We are not too sure how different this is from what Audi has been doing for
years with the S and S Line products,
but of course BMW will explain it in good time.
* M5 pictured here
3 comments:
so finally BMW catches up with Audi
agree with anonymous. Audi been making S models for many years now nothing new or special from BMW. We aren't born yesterday people
@Anderson Trott: Thank you sir, you are welcome here, anytime :)
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