Rumor: Next Gen M6 to Rival Audi R8

mtechnik · #1 03-31-2010, 12:33 PM

Do you think BMW should build a more dedicated sports/super car ala M1 or 8-series to challenge the R8? Or, just stick with the 6-Series + M6 as a sporty grand tourer and not build a super car?

What are my fellow TS members thoughts?

Wishful thinking? Are we getting teased or this is indeed the direction BMW wants to take? Two questions that most likely will remain unanswered for a while, but Autocar UK pushed out an interesting article today, yet somewhat deceiving.

According to the UK magazine and citing sources close to the Munich-based automaker, BMW’s flagship M6 is unlikely to be replaced when the next 6-series arrives. Instead, its spot will be filled by a V8 sports car drawing cues from BMW’s Vision Efficient Dynamics concept.

Well…let’s stop here for a second. So is Autocar really saying that the M6 is being phased out or…. that it will simply move away from its core idea into a new direction? Without encouraging these speculations, we have to say that we find it hard to believe that such an iconic car, the M6, will be indeed renamed, rebadged or simply phased out.

We can certainly see some of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept design cues making its way into the performance car, but that is hardly something BMW has tried to hide. They have been quite open about the possibility of seeing future production models taking advantage of the futuristic and breakthrough design sported by the Vision Concept.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Autocar states that the M6 was aimed primarly at US buyers -true, to an extent- but to call it “sitting awkwardly within the range”….well, that’s quite a stretch. Every luxury automaker HAS to offer a high-end performance car and BMW has rightfully chosen to accomplish this with the M6.

No one is questioning the technology in the Vision ED Concept and Autocar points out correctly some of its high-tech advantages: M3 coupe-size with M3 performance, Toyota Prius levels of economy and CO2 emissions, next generation interior and exterior design.

To argue their points even further, we need to point out a few things.

Yes, the performance coming out of the VED advanced diesel-electric hybrid system is impressive, especially since turbocharged three-cylinder engine is production ready, but we certainly see an M6 icon sporting more than 356 hp.

Yes, we know, it’s all about efficiency these days, but at the same time, the M6 is all about a niche market, a low-volume seller that keeps the true enthusiasts happy.

To contradict themselves even further, Autocar “throws” in there that the the production version of the Vision ED may get the next-gen M5’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8.

Which one is it going to be fellas?

To save the day, they mention that “using this engine will ensure the firm still offers a car with M6 levels of power and performance, but the inclusion of much of Vision ED’s eco-tech”.

No offense, but we will hardly call that that twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 as being “that eco-friendly”.

In a recent interview, BMW Research and Development chief, Klaus Draeger, has said a future BMW supercar has to “be intelligent and dramatic-looking, something like the ED concept”. Sounds promising….

To end with a bang, if you allow us to use those slang terms, Autocar names the next M6 as being a rival to the Audi R8 and Porsche 911, and even to AMG’s forthcoming baby SLS model.

Now that’s just teasing, but we certainly hope they’re anywhere remotely right, otherwise, we will live another deception and that’s something we’re not in the mood for anymore.

Source: Rumor: Next generation BMW M6 to rival Audi R8

vdubpower · #2 03-31-2010, 01:01 PM

wasnt the z8 or whatever made for that role

Randy@DomaniMotors · #3 03-31-2010, 01:08 PM

I think the M6 sits fine as a very sporty GT, with lots of power and luxury. It seemed to compete with the SL in some regards. I would love to see it stay that way, and BMW revisit the M1 as an R8/911 type competitor.

But I am sure BMW knows what they are doing. Ha!

STOPPIE · #4 03-31-2010, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vdubpower »

wasnt the z8 or whatever made for that role

Against the R8? Nope. The Z8 was produced years ago.

M6 versus R8? Well, don't make the M as chubby as before. No offense against the M6 guys; but I never liked that car.

Schwabe · #5 03-31-2010, 01:55 PM

I don't think the M6 can challange the R8 nor should it. I think the M6 is too soft, has a little pudgy face. It is a great GT a la SL and should remain in that role.

Alzilla · #6 03-31-2010, 02:16 PM

BMW needs to reintroduce the 8-series to truly warrant building an R8 fighter, imo.

M8 ftw.

Fuel&Fire · #7 03-31-2010, 02:18 PM

If they go that route, they need to strip that thing down, and shorten it. Also offer a 6 spd

mtechnik · #8 03-31-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schwabe »

I don't think the M6 can challange the R8 nor should it. I think the M6 is too soft, has a little pudgy face. It is a great GT a la SL and should remain in that role.

I agree that the current pudgy face M6 isn't meant, or shouldn't challenge the R8, but I was asking for opinions about the upcoming model.

I'm thinking produce the 6er, and make the M6 to compete with R8. Offer the M6 with a DCT and 6Mt. Then build a supercar. I just wonder if it would be a wise business decision to invest in a super car, right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alzilla »

BMW needs to reintroduce the 8-series to truly warrant building an R8 fighter, imo.

M8 ftw.

That would be sick, Alex. Also make sure it's not a heavy pig.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuel&Fire »

If they go that route, they need to strip that thing down, and shorten it. Also offer a 6 spd

+1, Something like a GT3 RS!