05-08-2015, 03:23 AM | #1 |
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Vehicle Dynamics International Interview with M-Division Head F. van Meel
Featured on BIMMERPOST.com just received the newest issue of Vehicle Dynamics International and saw an interesting interview with the new Head of the M-Divison, Franciscus van Meel that I want to share with you. Since taking over the lead of the M-Divsion, I am more and more "frightened" to see upcoming all-wheel drive BMW M-models. This interview was one of the first ones he gave as the new head of M-division. A lot of business talk in the interview, but interesting for all markets around the world. Enjoy! PDF: Vehicle Dynamics_Interview_Mdivision_MEEL.pdf |
05-18-2015, 01:40 PM | #2 |
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So they're looking into something like a black series.... And within 2 years. I like that.
Wonder if it's across the board for all M cars or just the M4 GTS we keep hearing about. |
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05-18-2015, 01:43 PM | #3 |
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Nice interview! I wonder how they're going to make it AWD but feel like rear? Should be interesting.
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05-18-2015, 01:49 PM | #4 |
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This interview really says nothing new. Except perhaps why there won't be an i8///M or whatever. After the latest word about BMW cancelling a bunch of projects, I wouldn't be surprised if something ridiculous is still left on the table like an X1///M. We know that the ///M2 is definitely coming so that'll be another M Model to add to the portfolio, but nothing in support of truly challenging the Audi R8 or the Mercedes AMG-GTS. There still might be hope in the Toyota/BMW joint venture, but who knows.
One thing is certain though, and that is what he said is true. BMW M car sales in the United States account for most of the M car sales worldwide. So please just give us Americans what we want! Use all that money from the sales of the 3-Series and develop a 3.0L 8,000rpm Twin Turbo V10 that gets 26mpg for the next generation M5/M6. That's what we want! Oh and make AWD Drive optional for any/all M Cars in the future.
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05-18-2015, 02:12 PM | #6 | |
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05-18-2015, 02:13 PM | #7 |
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If BMW gets rid of the manual transmission, the competition from Mercedes Benz will increase again. A lot of manual transmission guys won't even look at a Benz because it's automatic only. If BMW gets rid of the MT, a lot of those manual guys will go elsewhere, including the Benz.
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05-18-2015, 02:23 PM | #8 |
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Still don't like that this bum refuses to offer x drive on an M car. I can pretty much guarantee over 50% of M sales in the northeast would be with x drive . All the attorneys I work with refuse to get m cars because they want awd for snow but like the look of M cars even if they dont need the car for track duties.
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05-18-2015, 02:29 PM | #9 | |
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05-18-2015, 02:53 PM | #10 |
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Honestly? I had a Ghibli for 3 months, the S Q4. And I thought it looks great, the engine was amazing, but the handling? Terrible! At least in the one I drove. No steering feel, really slow steering, too much roll and the body wobbles too much. I might have just had a lemon, but my experience isn't the best.
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05-18-2015, 03:06 PM | #11 | |
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05-18-2015, 03:08 PM | #12 | |
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05-18-2015, 03:15 PM | #13 | |
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05-18-2015, 03:23 PM | #14 |
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I thought he would tell us everything we want to know about the M2
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05-18-2015, 03:41 PM | #15 |
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M4 GTS is the hardcore M that will follow.
I'd like to see it next to an C AMG S on track M Performance Diesel models are too heavy! We'll see what will happen with the new G models! |
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05-18-2015, 03:56 PM | #16 | |
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05-18-2015, 04:02 PM | #17 |
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05-18-2015, 04:07 PM | #18 |
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Ok, I will go ahead and beat a dead horse.... who cares if the automatic is faster than the manual? It is a damned street car. A couple tenths of a second don't matter. The enjoyment and how the car makes you feel do.
Just like a Z06 might be faster than a Cayman GTS, but the cayman is a more gratifying experience.... to some. Moral of the story- just give people the choice. He mentions that the number of people opting for manuals is decreasing... well that goes without saying! The availability is decreased dramatically!
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05-18-2015, 04:07 PM | #19 | |
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05-18-2015, 04:52 PM | #20 |
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Good interview. I may not have liked all the answers, but the interviewer was good.
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05-18-2015, 05:17 PM | #21 | |
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05-18-2015, 05:31 PM | #22 |
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OLED coming soon? LCI tail lights vs OLED round 2!
Seems like this guy isn't in a rush to turn BMW's into Audi's thankfully. To openly express he was impressed by the F8x while at Audi must put a big grin on his face to be with BMW this time. /jelly
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