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      11-28-2012, 05:07 AM   #49
Efthreeoh
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Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bradleyland View Post
This is such a silly argument. If we're setting limits at the way "most people" drive on the street, then there is no reason to buy anything up line of a Corolla S. And that's exactly the point. BMW continues to build cars that drive great beyond the way most people drive on the street.

The apprehension about BMW losing focus is understandable with this number of changes, but focus is defined as the central point of attention. BMW will continue to make more RWD drive models than they do FWD models. They are expanding their M line-up, which means more sales and more money for BMW Motorsport. Arguably, this makes them more focused on the things that matter to enthusiasts, even with the addition of FWD models (there are plenty of enthusiasts who drive FWD cars, btw). There is no getting around the fact that FWD packaging makes cars more affordable and more usable on a daily basis. I owned several GTIs, and I put my MkV GTI within 8/10ths of my 135i. Delivering an enthusiast focused FWD platform to the market is a brilliant move for BMW, because it will bring more driver-focused customers to the brand earlier in their buying cycle, simply because they can afford it.

As to BMW's current direction, I have not read a single automotive journalist (with any credibility) who has panned the new BMW models (F30 and F10). To the contrary, they all say they're spectacular, with the possible exception of the move to electric assist steering.

All this talk about losing focus and failing as a company is nothing but chicken little bullshit. The sky is falling, the sky is falling! Meanwhile, the next M3 is promised to be lighter and more focused than the last, and we're going to get a successor to the 1M, just like we asked for.

Give it a rest and wait for the product before you deliver the eulogy.
I don't think it is a silly argument at all. Most buyers of BMW today couldn't care less about, weight distribution, drive-squat, brake-dive, suspension control, brake modulation, steering feedback, etc., all the things that BMW pioneered (maybe prioritized is a better word) in street cars. Most manufacturers match, or come close to matching, these once BMW-only attributes in a lot of their models. 95% of BMW buyers can't appreciate what still (hopefully) separates the BMW DNA, which is how the car behaves at 9/10ths and 10/10ths limits (my E90 still has it) and don't really need a BMW; and would do fine with other manufactures nameplates on the hood. BMW now caters to these buyers, which is not a bad thing, and in consideration of proper business practice, the right thing. But if that leaves us BMW aficionados relegated to buying far over-priced M models then I'll shop elsewhere. And if the M division needs to sell M-versions of overweight X5 and X6's then watch me leave, laughing out the door.

The poster I responded to tried to say BMW is a unique manufacturer that "thinks differently” than other auto manufacturers. Really, a FWD hatchback (or 4-door sedan) that drives well? Heck, there must be at least 5 or 6 models by other manufacturers on the road right now.

Just a few short years ago BMW touted this same mantra, that they were the only independent manufacturer left and didn’t have to compromise like other (mainstream) manufacturers by being forced to chassis-share between models. Now comes word that the 1-series and mini will share major chassis components. Right, BMW is different. Sorry, I’m not buying it. Having a naturally aspirated, in-line 6, rear wheel drive sedan with a manual transmission, now that’s thinking differently…
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