Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnEnglish
Assuming you're actually being serious, the vast majority of people buy M cars because they're the most expensive version of the BMW model they're looking at. Same thing with AMG and RS cars. It's exactly why BMW started with the M Performance label and Mercedes with the "AMG-lite" cars. People want the label but can't afford it.
Building cars to satisfy the egos of "purists" is a sure fire way for BMW to go bankrupt. The "purist" market may be very vocal online but their actual purchasing power is tiny.
|
In no way I'm implying my thought coincides with majority.
I'm saying while keeping the "majority" happy M should also exploit something that is ingenious and evolutionary, something the current and potential M drivers did not expect in terms of driving experience in the respect that it integrates driver and a car equally into the equation, not just the car i.e. not easy to drive fast without learning how to properly drive.
For me there are two uncompromisable components in a car: engine and drivetrain. If the car is MT it should be a very engaging transmission, and if it is automatic it has to respond to manual user inputs consistently fast: DCT achieves this but the torque converter doesn't.
Thus it would be best if M would offer:
1. RWD DCT
2. RWD MT
3. AWD 8AT
Such combinations would give satisfaction to buyers of all groups because while AWD is fast off the line, RWD+DCT will have better dynamics in extreme conditions, and RWD+MT could boast lightest weight and engagement.
It's no question M would make the most $$$ off AWD variant because it would be the most expensive model and relatively cheap to develop and produce compared to a well balanced RWD&DCT or MT, but it is the least they can do to show the motorsport spirit.
M hasn't been the same since senior figures like Biermann or Gobmeier left (who participated in factory race car developments since E30 M3). They are insisting on a new era, but perhaps it is time for the youngsters to review why the older models were perceived as the greats.