Mercedes-Benz had the SLS AMG, then it got replaced by the AMG GT. Audi’s R8 has been hugely successful, with a new model slated for launch some time next year. So, that pretty much leaves BMW in a corner, as they do not have a halo car to represent them. The i8? It isn’t in the same league as the R8 and AMG GT, since its pretty much a petrol hybrid sports car. The last halo car BMW had was the über BMW 36 years ago. Regular BMW M models like the M3 and M5 do not count, as they are performance variants of regular road going cars, rather than designed ground up as a supercar.
But for BMW, it isn’t as easy as making a whole new car just from scratch. You see, the introduction of the i3 and i8 has already cost BMW some 2 billion euros each to develop. A regular production model would be 1 billion euros, still not cheap. And being a sports car, it won’t be a volume seller. “We always have more ideas than budget is made available – we have to see which priorities will be decided upon.” said Carsten Priest, Head of Product Development at M. At this rate, priority for an all-out supercar would probably be ruled out, but Priest also mentioned, ““I still remember the days of the M1. It was 36 years ago that the car was introduced. The question is at what time do you need something to reactivate what you’ve established?” Perhaps he is hinting at a certain anniversary model?
Priest also said, “I was excited for us to see what the reaction was like and it was overwhelmingly positive, but no one at M is surprised. Everyone would be ready, they would probably even do this in their spare time if the project order was given.” To us, it really does seem like the guys at M are passionate about a halo car for BMW. If only the finances allowed.
We will be looking forward to what BMW’s M division can cook up, as they have been behind the supercar game.
Story via AutoExpress
