M Boss Kay Segler interviewed about M future

Advevo · 02-02-2011, 07:24 AM

Autos.sympatico.ca interviewed M division boss Dr. Kay Segler at the 2011 NAIAS in Detroit. They posed some direct questions, many of which our very own members have often asked and are most interested in. Below are their most poignant questions and Dr. Segler's responses.

Q: Where are the lightweight cars?
A: M cars are being thoroughly inspected (every screw and component) for weight reduction generally, but especially from the top areas of the cars.

Q: Bring back high-revving 4-cylinder engines?
A: High revving turbo engines are the new way to go for M.

Q: Will all M cars have single turbocharged engines within 5 years?
A: We never should predict anything because we should be free of dogmas.

Q: Will BMW be returning to F1 racing with the return of turbochargers to Formula 1?
A: We are simply focusing on M cars and touring cars (24 hour races, DTM) - to have a car on the race course which a customer can also drive on the road.

Q: Will there be more special edition M3's in the future (i.e. GTS)?
A: M is always good for surprises. We will do other cars, maybe something within the next 12 months.

Q: Will M always have the manual transmission option?
A: Depends on the car and its character. The double clutch was the decision of M and it was a good decision and we keep that as far as we can.

Q: Will M cars be coming with ceramic brakes option?
A: We are working exactly on it, for the M5's.

Q: Will customer ever have option to delete air conditioning, radio?
A: Depending on the car. GTS comes without air con and radio and you can then add it as options

Q: Every car after the E30 M3 has been heavier and the problem solved with more power. Has M lost its plot?
A: We're working on the lightweight issue, but it's an uphill battle and it's not so easy.

Q: How would an M green car look?
A: We are already in a way green - brake energy regeneration; reduce in the future the M5's emissions by 25-30%. But we will not compromise on the performance of our cars.

The video interview can be found at Autos.sympatico.ca: http://autos.sympatico.ca/features/7...-boss-of-bmw-m

jeff@autocouture · 02-02-2011, 07:02 PM

i want a crazy special edition m3 in the us that offers way more then the zcp package!

antzcrashing · 02-02-2011, 07:04 PM

good responses from him. However, "its an uphill battle and its not so easy" is not an optimistic one.

esquire · 02-02-2011, 07:05 PM

I like what i hear about the ceramic breaks. But his answers were almost elusively short. Didn't really like that.

Polarcharger · 02-02-2011, 07:14 PM

A: We never should predict anything because we should be free of dogmas.

He apparently has a short memory because he follows with plenty of predictions.

On the bright side, the M5 should have some weight savings opportunities over the standard F10 (given the F10 weights 400 pounds more than it's predecessor).

positiveions · 02-02-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Q: Will there be more special edition M3's in the future (i.e. GTS)?
A: M is always good for surprises. We will do other cars, maybe something within the next 12 months.

i wonder what they have in store for us

330CIZHP · 02-02-2011, 08:13 PM

He calls 7000 rpm redline high-revving. Even SUVs these days are high-revving, according to Segler. LOL

This goofy clown keeps getting better everyday. He keeps giving me more quotes to put in my signature. ROFL!!!!

k2e15 · 02-02-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhostRideTheWhip

Seglar, You killed the ///M division, watered it down, milked it, and now you want to put a 4 cylinder turbo in one!?

///M won't have any enthusiasts returning after the e92, I think.

Been thinking this for some time now!

Hopefully they come up with something grand!

sensi09 · 02-02-2011, 08:29 PM

I think the turbo 4 in the next 1m is something to look forward to.

PKL · 02-02-2011, 08:48 PM

8400rpm FTW

dimabimmer · 02-02-2011, 08:56 PM

E90/E92 is a keeper for the years to come...

EuroCarsOnline · 02-02-2011, 09:19 PM

Great, so I was about to order my next M3 and now may hold off to see if a special GTS type M3 is available in the US. I'm still bitter the e46 CSL never made it here. 1.4g on the skid pad!

EuroCarsOnline · 02-02-2011, 09:26 PM

I have my fingers crossed we see something for April production, with arrival just in time for Summer.

SoCali E36 · 02-02-2011, 09:46 PM

he literally did not answer any of the questions lol. He gave answers that did not give a straight forward reply to the questions.

wrh3 · 02-02-2011, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhostRideTheWhip

Seglar, You killed the ///M division, watered it down, milked it, and now you want to put a 4 cylinder turbo in one!?

///M won't have any enthusiasts returning after the e92, I think.

x2. my thoughts exactly

RoundTwo · 02-02-2011, 10:12 PM

Jesus... I wonder if these guys will ever realize that they are driving sales down by constantly giving speculation to the next *big thing* for the m3

I'm ready to pull on an e92 the second that these guys tell me they won't release a new package/special edition ""soon""... so dumb.

duk · 02-02-2011, 10:16 PM

actually M division is selling better than ever so he is doing his 'job' = increase sales and profit for M division, but what does that mean for the more pure M enthusiast?

IFX · 02-02-2011, 10:23 PM

boy, after the e90M3, bye bye BMW.

RoundTwo · 02-02-2011, 10:26 PM

duk,

yeah, I saw that article too.. seems odd. But it won't last long without M enthusiasts. Rich doods won't keep buying their wives x5Ms forever.... or will they? crap, what dream level are we in again? where's my totem?

MVF4Rrider · 02-02-2011, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esquire

I like what i hear about the ceramic breaks. But his answers were almost elusively short. Didn't really like that.

That's the way Germans talk.

Serious · 02-02-2011, 10:32 PM

Hey it's not his fault that customers (you guys) continue to gobble up the fattest most automatic laden cars. The Mx6/Mx5 have exceeded sales expectations and the sales of m3's and m5's continue to go up as weight continues to increase, automatic gearboxes are available, and driver involvement is eroded away... all the while cars like the z3M coupe, z4M coupe are sales failures and the 1M is lambasted on every forum for being not a "real" M car.

Why would BMW focus on focus on building lighter cars? Because some geeks on the internet asked them to? The sales data shows it doesn't matter what they do as long as the car has the M badge, rips off a couple 4.3sec 0-60 runs, and wins a few magazine comparos... you guys will buy it in droves.

He didn't kill M, you all did. If BMW put a 2700lb 4 cylinder 200hp car out nowadays... you would all laugh at it, and say it isn't a "real" M car.

GOLFFRR · 02-02-2011, 10:39 PM

interesting. a lot of grey answers there. Guess time will tell.

02-02-2011, 07:24 AM	#1
Advevo Banned 581 Rep 1,170 Posts Drives: M2 Competition, E30 M3 DTM Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Country where the taxes are too high!! iTrader: (0)	M Boss Kay Segler interviewed about M future Autos.sympatico.ca interviewed M division boss Dr. Kay Segler at the 2011 NAIAS in Detroit. They posed some direct questions, many of which our very own members have often asked and are most interested in. Below are their most poignant questions and Dr. Segler's responses. Q: Where are the lightweight cars? A: M cars are being thoroughly inspected (every screw and component) for weight reduction generally, but especially from the top areas of the cars. Q: Bring back high-revving 4-cylinder engines? A: High revving turbo engines are the new way to go for M. Q: Will all M cars have single turbocharged engines within 5 years? A: We never should predict anything because we should be free of dogmas. Q: Will BMW be returning to F1 racing with the return of turbochargers to Formula 1? A: We are simply focusing on M cars and touring cars (24 hour races, DTM) - to have a car on the race course which a customer can also drive on the road. Q: Will there be more special edition M3's in the future (i.e. GTS)? A: M is always good for surprises. We will do other cars, maybe something within the next 12 months. Q: Will M always have the manual transmission option? A: Depends on the car and its character. The double clutch was the decision of M and it was a good decision and we keep that as far as we can. Q: Will M cars be coming with ceramic brakes option? A: We are working exactly on it, for the M5's. Q: Will customer ever have option to delete air conditioning, radio? A: Depending on the car. GTS comes without air con and radio and you can then add it as options Q: Every car after the E30 M3 has been heavier and the problem solved with more power. Has M lost its plot? A: We're working on the lightweight issue, but it's an uphill battle and it's not so easy. Q: How would an M green car look? A: We are already in a way green - brake energy regeneration; reduce in the future the M5's emissions by 25-30%. But we will not compromise on the performance of our cars. The video interview can be found at Autos.sympatico.ca: http://autos.sympatico.ca/features/7...-boss-of-bmw-m
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02-02-2011, 07:02 PM	#2
jeff@autocouture BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 966 Rep 13,780 Posts Drives: 2002 E53 X5 4.6is Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	i want a crazy special edition m3 in the us that offers way more then the zcp package!
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02-02-2011, 07:04 PM	#3
antzcrashing Brigadier General 1910 Rep 3,218 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW 440i GC Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Eastern MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW 440i GC xD ... [9.75]	good responses from him. However, "its an uphill battle and its not so easy" is not an optimistic one.
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02-02-2011, 07:05 PM	#4
esquire Brigadier General 478 Rep 3,044 Posts Drives: 2011 Dakar Yellow M3, 2018 M5 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orange County, California iTrader: (0)	I like what i hear about the ceramic breaks. But his answers were almost elusively short. Didn't really like that. __________________ [ESS VT2-625] [Akrapovic Evolution Exhaust] [KW Clubsports] [OSS Angel Eyes] [Revinora r-CRT Lip] [Vorsteiner Boot] [Challenge Race Diffuser] [See the Build Thread HERE]
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02-02-2011, 07:14 PM	#5
Polarcharger Private 3 Rep 71 Posts Drives: E36, E46, & E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	A: We never should predict anything because we should be free of dogmas. He apparently has a short memory because he follows with plenty of predictions. On the bright side, the M5 should have some weight savings opportunities over the standard F10 (given the F10 weights 400 pounds more than it's predecessor). __________________ Current: E36 M3 ('98), E46 M3 ('05 ZCP), E90 M3 ('11 ZCP), GT3 RS ('07)
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02-02-2011, 08:13 PM	#7
330CIZHP Major 62 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: BMW 330 CI ZHP Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Calgary, Alberta iTrader: (0)	He calls 7000 rpm redline high-revving. Even SUVs these days are high-revving, according to Segler. LOL This goofy clown keeps getting better everyday. He keeps giving me more quotes to put in my signature. ROFL!!!! __________________ ""A great sounding, responsive, high-revving, naturally aspirated engine is part of the DNA of a thoroughbred sports car. No two ways about it." - Lamborghini on turbocharging Last edited by 330CIZHP; 02-02-2011 at 08:20 PM..
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02-02-2011, 08:29 PM	#9
sensi09 Lieutenant Colonel 30 Rep 1,789 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	I think the turbo 4 in the next 1m is something to look forward to.
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02-02-2011, 08:48 PM	#10
PKL Brigadier General 848 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2020 M4, 2022 X6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Fernando Valley iTrader: (1)	8400rpm FTW __________________
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02-02-2011, 08:56 PM	#11
dimabimmer Lieutenant Colonel 148 Rep 1,885 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 ZCP 6MT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Brooklyn to SoHo NYC iTrader: (0)	E90/E92 is a keeper for the years to come... __________________ '11 E92 M3 ZCP SG 6MT Tech Sound USB Heat Cloth Aluminium Sunshade http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=422151
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02-02-2011, 09:19 PM	#12
EuroCarsOnline 23 Rep 253 Posts Drives: BMW Individual M3 Sedan Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Northwest BMW iTrader: (0)	Great, so I was about to order my next M3 and now may hold off to see if a special GTS type M3 is available in the US. I'm still bitter the e46 CSL never made it here. 1.4g on the skid pad! __________________ Ultimate Buying Power BMWDavid@me.com www.bmweco.com 202-262-2900 Call Joy for Vehicle Status 443-883-6925
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02-02-2011, 09:26 PM	#13
EuroCarsOnline 23 Rep 253 Posts Drives: BMW Individual M3 Sedan Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Northwest BMW iTrader: (0)	I have my fingers crossed we see something for April production, with arrival just in time for Summer. __________________ Ultimate Buying Power BMWDavid@me.com www.bmweco.com 202-262-2900 Call Joy for Vehicle Status 443-883-6925
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02-02-2011, 09:46 PM	#14
SoCali E36 BMW Client Advisor 1000 Rep 3,526 Posts Drives: X5 40e/e36 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Where the road takes me... iTrader: (10)	he literally did not answer any of the questions lol. He gave answers that did not give a straight forward reply to the questions. __________________
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02-02-2011, 10:12 PM	#16
RoundTwo Riff Raff 31 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2014 8 spd bicycle Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 E92 M3 [0.00] 2004 325Ci [0.00]	Jesus... I wonder if these guys will ever realize that they are driving sales down by constantly giving speculation to the next big thing for the m3 I'm ready to pull on an e92 the second that these guys tell me they won't release a new package/special edition ""soon""... so dumb. __________________
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02-02-2011, 10:16 PM	#17
duk ///M 158 Rep 3,195 Posts Drives: 2011 AW/FR 6MT E92 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	actually M division is selling better than ever so he is doing his 'job' = increase sales and profit for M division, but what does that mean for the more pure M enthusiast? __________________ 2011.5 AW/FR E92 M3 6MT
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02-02-2011, 10:23 PM	#18
IFX Banned 67 Rep 2,536 Posts Drives: AW e46M/N54 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Fla. iTrader: (1)	boy, after the e90M3, bye bye BMW.
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02-02-2011, 10:26 PM	#19
RoundTwo Riff Raff 31 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2014 8 spd bicycle Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 E92 M3 [0.00] 2004 325Ci [0.00]	duk, yeah, I saw that article too.. seems odd. But it won't last long without M enthusiasts. Rich doods won't keep buying their wives x5Ms forever.... or will they? crap, what dream level are we in again? where's my totem? __________________
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02-02-2011, 10:32 PM	#21
Serious 1M advocate 214 Rep 878 Posts Drives: 2018 S4. 2011 M3. 2012 S1000RR Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Hey it's not his fault that customers (you guys) continue to gobble up the fattest most automatic laden cars. The Mx6/Mx5 have exceeded sales expectations and the sales of m3's and m5's continue to go up as weight continues to increase, automatic gearboxes are available, and driver involvement is eroded away... all the while cars like the z3M coupe, z4M coupe are sales failures and the 1M is lambasted on every forum for being not a "real" M car. Why would BMW focus on focus on building lighter cars? Because some geeks on the internet asked them to? The sales data shows it doesn't matter what they do as long as the car has the M badge, rips off a couple 4.3sec 0-60 runs, and wins a few magazine comparos... you guys will buy it in droves. He didn't kill M, you all did. If BMW put a 2700lb 4 cylinder 200hp car out nowadays... you would all laugh at it, and say it isn't a "real" M car. __________________ 2012 BMW S1000RR 2011 BMW M3 Last edited by Serious; 02-02-2011 at 10:41 PM..
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02-02-2011, 10:39 PM	#22
GOLFFRR 10817 Rep 27,600 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	interesting. a lot of grey answers there. Guess time will tell. __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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