BMW boasts quite an extensive range of models, from the base 1-Series hatchback to the flagship M variants and everything in between. Hatchbacks, coupes, saloons, estates, hybrids, SUVs, you name it and there is at least one model with the red and blue badge on it. Recently, even a diesel-powered X6 M was spotted making the rounds at the Nordschleife.
The M division’s engineers, though, think that there’s something missing. In a recent interview, the F10 M5’s project leader Max Ahme revealed that the company is currently considering a pure supercar – something it lacked since the Lamborghini-built M1 that was produced between 1978 and 1981.
Even though the company revealed a concept version to celebrate the M1’s 30th birthday, not a word has been heard since.
Now the M division wants to challenge Mercedes and Audi with its own supercar. The M division’s product development chief, Albert Biermann, recently told British magazine Autocar that, in the same way that AMG engineers convinced Mercedes to go ahead with the SLS, his people want to do the same.
However, simply wanting something is not enough; the team also has to convince BMW’s management that such a project will be profitable, as Biermann admits: “From an engineering perspective, we have the skills and we’d love to do it”, he said. “We’ve discussed it several times but we’ve never been able to make the business case. Everything we do has to make money.”
A business case was also something the M division lacked when it pushed for an M version of the new Z4 roadster: “There are days when it hurts not to have one, but there was no business case at the time. We are trying, but there are so many factors to consider,” Biermann told the magazine.
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