BMW's head honcho of the M division recently made some interesting comments while speaking to a publication based abroad. It seems that there may be two significant changes when it comes to the company's hottest products.
Known as M cars, these are the brand's purist forms of products. This means they pack extra power, boast greater traction and are focused on motorsport. That's where the "M" comes from.
Now the head of the performance division, Frank van Meel, has said that manuals are going the way of the dodo bird — no kidding, Frank — and that 600 horsepower may be the stopping point for the company for the time being. Although other companies, like FCA, are producing over 700 horsepower in production autos, van Meel seems to think 600 is the end of the road for the Bavarians.
Considering it is always remaining super competitive, we think this means that the Germans will be placing a much greater emphasis on lightweight construction and body panels. How else would it even be able to play with opposition that's getting more powerful all the time?
That said, I have to ask: IF BMW kills the manual AND caps power at 600 ponies, is the M division making a MISTAKE?
What say you, Spies?
Van Meel said: “From a technical standpoint, the future doesn’t look bright for manual gearboxes. The DCT and auto ’boxes are faster and they have better fuel consumption..."
“...We’re at the limit. If you go on adding more horsepower and torque, it’d probably be over the limits."
Read Article