BMW’s dynamic division: The future of M

German online magazine auto-news.de attended the official "M-Power World" event, where the editors met Albert Biermann, director of development at BMW M GmbH. They took the opportunity to ask Mr. Biermann about the future of the M division and asked him what the exciting new M-models are we can expect in the future.

M3 CSL
As reported earlier, Mr. Biermann again confirmed the CSL will not be built. "Carbon fiber doesn't grow on trees", he said with a smile, pointing to the fact the price for the rare material has increased recently. When reminded of the hardcore M-fans that want a prestige model, such as the CSL, he replied: "We have to consider business factors. With the tough competition going on right now, a car manufacturer has to make money with every model, not just a few".

M7
There will be no M7 either. According to Mr. Biermann, it would be against BMW M's philosophy, as the goal is to make a car not only more powerful, but also more agile and lighter. Also, the cost for the development would be too high. Besides, Alpina already offers a suitable car with the B7, developed closely in cooperation with BMW.

1-series M-version
A small entry-level 1-series M-car would find many friends among the M-fraction. The nomenclature for this model might require some brainstorming, as there already is a model called M1. However, that wouldn't keep Mr. Biermann from considering such a car. But BMW M is more concerned about the price such a car would have, bringing it too close to the 3-series. And there already is a very powerful 1-series: The BMW 135i with 306 hp.

A new M1?
What is going to happen with the M1 Hommage concept? The official answer is: There will be no M1 serial production - Period. However, auto-news speculates that many features on the concept car are designed to meet German street-legality requirements. Why would BMW pay attention to such detail, if no serial production was planned?

4WD M-version
The X5 and X6 will be available as M-versions. And despite all the public discussion about environment and fuel prices, the X6 M is already sold out for the first half of 2009.

Racing Accessories
Porsche is making big-time profits with their racing accessories, such as ceramic brakes, roll cages and other race-bred equipment. BMW M plans to offer a similar line of products in the near future, to satisfy the need of "hardcore customers".

M6 Competition Package
The 2009 model of the BMW M6 will feature an optional competition package, with modifications mostly to the suspension and wheels, optimizing the car for the race track. BMW M claims that the M6 with this package has a lap time improvement of an incredible 10 seconds on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

(Source: auto-news)