M CEO says: 30 new M models by 2029, ICE engines indefinite, manuals on borrowed time

[Panscan340]

Originally Posted by Msparta

I keep saying the same exact thing. Glad I’m not the only one observing this.

Brand jump imminent for many true M clients…

To what? There’s no alternative for mid cost high end performance. Audi and Mercedes have mostly left the arena, Porsche is another level money wise.
There is nowhere else to go.

[cronut]

Originally Posted by robopp

G84 is the successor to the G80/1/2 that introduces a mild hybrid to the S58 in 2027-28. Are you saying that the G84 will come with a manual transmission option?! I really, really hope so, but not sure how BMW could accomplish that with the hybrid motor(s).

Manufacturers could spec longer ratios across all gears and design a control system that would turn on/off the electric motors in certain circumstances like above 60mph for instance. This system could also be governed by comfort, sport, and sport plus mode for efficiency or power. The clutch system also might only be utilized over 35 mph from start, but could be used until the vehicle comes to a stop for the next cycle/program to continue. Electric motors are most powerful/efficient from a standstill. ICE are most efficient at higher vehicle speeds. Vehicles like the RAV4s can switch to ICE after the battery runs low. So, certainly the technology is there. Those are auto trans, but the vehicle could suggest a few gears based on speed and driving style.

[Toad]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Not everyone WANTS a full M version with cost not a factor. Like me.

I agree, but what's wrong with naming it a "550is" instead of a M550i?

[robopp]

Originally Posted by cronut

Manufacturers could spec longer ratios across all gears and design a control system that would turn on/off the electric motors in certain circumstances like above 60mph for instance. This system could also be governed by comfort, sport, and sport plus mode for efficiency or power. The clutch system also might only be utilized over 35 mph from start, but could be used until the vehicle comes to a stop for the next cycle/program to continue. Electric motors are most powerful/efficient from a standstill. ICE are most efficient at higher vehicle speeds. Vehicles like the RAV4s can switch to ICE after the battery runs low. So, certainly the technology is there. Those are auto trans, but the vehicle could suggest a few gears based on speed and driving style.

BMW could do something really innovative and use eturbos or something like that and not rely on a pancake motor in the zf slushbox too. That wouldn’t prevent a manual option, but I have very little hope they would actually innovate like this.

[hb]

There will be another surprise or two that people won't expect

[jaffles]

Originally Posted by ledphut

Once people realize BMW has spent the last decade designing/engineering most of its lineup for the CHINESE MARKET, things will fall into focus. Chinese demand (huuuge air quotes) “luxury + comfort + tech” and could not give rats behind about performance or curb weight.

All I’m asking for is a true Halo M car, alã i8 but with V8 and performance to match the looks.

But then China is well on its way for itself. 1300Hp of battery power an it jumps pot holes.

[Edwardsc1]

We don't want 30 new M models. We want you to stop diluting the M brand, stop putting big screens in the car, and go back to building them with the passion you used to.

[Msparta]

With a total of just 4 full M vehicles this is hardly exciting considering we had many more full M vehicles every year prior. M designation dilution at play.

[TXSTYLE]

LOVE IT!!!! 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽

Bring back the "Ultimate Driving Machine" mantra. ✅ 💯 🔥

[bennysbimmers]

F80s are the sweet spot for me, RWD and no uncessary tech/over sized screens.. but also modern enough to make a nice daily

Much nicer on the eyes than the newer M cars as well

[cronut]

Originally Posted by robopp

BMW could do something really innovative and use eturbos or something like that and not rely on a pancake motor in the zf slushbox too. That wouldn’t prevent a manual option, but I have very little hope they would actually innovate like this.

Yeah a supercharger driven by electric motors would be more efficient than belt driven ones. Fuel efficiency might even be better than regular turbo set up though torque may suffer. Technology exists for hybriding a manual transmission vehicle. If BMW doesn't do this, I bet one of the Japanese manufacturers will - Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru.

The damn screen proliferation has to stop and be rolled back. They are hard to see in sunlight too. Bring back a real handbrake. Only real sports cars have this.

[robopp]

Originally Posted by hb

There will be another surprise or two that people won't expect

🤤🤤🤤

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by robopp

🤤🤤🤤

an iX M isnt exactly a suprise anyone is waiting for lol

[Erebor]

Originally Posted by ASAP

an iX M isnt exactly a suprise anyone is waiting for lol

My guess is, he isn't talking about the known stuff of ynguldyn's list.
But i am not holding my breath here. If the M3 ZA0 is, what bmw is teasing, then that's the car for me.

[hb]

Originally Posted by ASAP

an iX M isnt exactly a suprise anyone is waiting for lol

There is no iX M

[hb]

Originally Posted by Erebor

My guess is, he isn't talking about the known stuff of ynguldyn's list.
But i am not holding my breath here. If the M3 ZA0 is, what bmw is teasing, then that's the car for me.

I wouldn't speculate if I didn't know.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by hb

There is no iX M

dont give them the idea

[robopp]

Originally Posted by hb

I wouldn't speculate if I didn't know.

Hopefully it’s a high reving NA with a manual transmission. 🤞

[G MONEY]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

The demise of manual transmissions could be easily anticipated when ....

1. Modern automatic transmissions began to arrive with up to 10 speeds
2. Emission standards became more stringent, making hybrid technology more popular

It's easier to integrate hybrid powertrains with a modern 8-speed+ automatic transmissions while carefully managing engine's optimum efficiency range and emissions.

The US sales statistics suggest that manual transmissions represent less than 3% of all sales.

Finally putting the worst manual in a sports car to it death. Good riddance!! Mushy ass POS anyway

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by Toad

I agree, but what's wrong with naming it a "550is" instead of a M550i?

So you’re telling me BMW Motorsport and Jochen Neerpasch (the Godfather of ///M) misnamed the M535i and M635csi 40 years ago? Don’t think so. Also I owned an E36 318is as my first BMW 30-odd years ago. Back then the S indicated a 2 door sport, not an M-lite. And I can tell you the 1.8L 136bhp 4 banger was nothing close to an M-Lite. The 325is, with 2.5L 189bhp inline 6, was also nothing close to an M lite, as good as it was. These Johann come latelies to the brand trying to claim history and heritage as their reason for excluding everything except full M cars need to get over themselves. Sheesh. 🙄

[R N M]

Happy to have my F80 M3 considering all the heavy hybrid stuff that will be coming our way. Plus remember no more Carbon Fiber roof / parts on new M cars.

Still hoping BMW will come out with a heritage M model with NA Inline 6 that can rev up to 9k RPM and offer normal dash without the screens.

I may order an M2 before it ends production as the last ICE M car with the great S58. Future generations will probably have some type of battery assist and weigh significantly more.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by hb

I wouldn't speculate if I didn't know.

hb always appreciated your well informed and, often, very restrained responses here. Love your blog, keep up the great work!