BMW will launch a new line of cars dubbed “M Performance Automobiles”, keeping cars like the rumored high-performance diesel X6 away from the sacred M lineup.
BMW has tried something like this before, with the E46 330i ZHP and the E28 M535i. The results could hardly be labeled bad cars, but this smacks of a “diffusion line” (as fashion people would call it) for the M-brand. BMW claims that
“The BMW M Performance Automobiles offer exclusive engine variants, noticeably enhanced agility and outstanding precision on the road, plus design laced with emotional appeal.”
Exclusive engine variants may be new, but the other additions like “enhanced agility” and “design laced with emotional appeal” sound a lot like the M-Sport packages sold on BMW vehicles both past and present. The “M Performance Automobiles” range should sit above the M-Sport packages, but below the “real” M range of cars and given. Fortunately, the M brand can’t possibly be further diluted, as evidenced by the photo above.
Apparently THAT idea is an illusion, as is the article about them?
No content – just a headline
This article is getting occupied.
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr347/donnyfarkinbaker/thats_the_joke.jpg
its funnier as a blank article
The headline is the 99%.
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Those M badges amuse me I catch and overtake M badged BMWs on twisty roads with ease in a Diesel Citroen maybe the badge is the only performance part.
“Engine variants” may not be as dramatic as you think. The E46 Performance Package (ZHP) featured engine tuning tweaks, I believe to intake and exhaust. I guess this could technically be considered an engine variant, even if it was a tuned version of the same M54B30 engine in the 330s.
For example, they could just deliver the turbo I6 with different software.
Maybe BMW has heard the autojournos’ (and its customers’) criticism that their cars are getting soft. And, I mean, have you driven one lately? They ARE getting soft. So maybe, if we want to be kind to BMW, this is their way of making cars that enthusiasts will enjoy again.
This will, of course, cost extra.
BMW have long has their M-Sport enhancements and Mercedes followed up with AMG options available on the cheapest Mercedes…
It’s no big deal… it brings some of that home tuning house madness to the masses.