REPORT: BMW unlikely to produce diesel M-cars until U.S. embraces oil-burners
BMW M3 GT4 - click for high-res image gallery
In recent months, AMG, the high performance gurus at Mercedes-Benz, have hinted at some future plans for reducing CO2 emissions including hybrids and possible diesel engines. Similarly, Audi has built the high-performance Q7 V12 TDI and has been racing diesel sports cars since 2006. BMW's M division has been quiet about its efficiency plans so far. This past week however, M division boss Kay Segler said that diesel M cars are unlikely anytime soon. The problem is that the U.S. is a significant market for M models like the M3, M5 and M6. Until the U.S. market really latches on to diesel, it wouldn't make sense for M to develop cars powered by compression ignition engines.
On the other hand, although Segler didn't say anything about it, M will have to do something to become more fuel efficient. BMW is actively developing hybrid and electric drive systems and the next M5 is rumored to include a hybrid system. With AMG indicating that an electric drive version of the new SLS gullwing is possible in mid-decade, something similar from BMW is not out of the question.
Gallery: BMW M3 GT4
[Source: The Car Connection]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
why not the LS2LS7? 11:23AM (7/13/2009)
Article calls an SUV a high performance vehicle. I need to read no further.
Reply
downtoearth 1:51PM (7/13/2009)
why not the LS2LS7?:
> Article calls an SUV a high performance vehicle. I need to read no further.
Money is everything. Apparently the most popular car Porsche currently makes is a diesel SUV.
nixon 3:48PM (7/13/2009)
BMW is right. They shouldn't be building supercars with diesel engines and sending them to the states.
What they should be sending to the US are super-efficient small diesels that can fit in the gap between mediocre MPG gas cars that are fun to drive, and the top MPG hybrids that aren't very inspiring to drive.
BMW needs to send to the US a nice small diesel car with MPG's that are much better than typical gas BMW's, yet still more powerful and fun to drive than any hybrids currently available. It's the "Goldilocks" car of 3 bears fame. The one in the middle that's just right.
Send me that 123d, damn it!
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ale 7:05PM (7/13/2009)
here too, 123d enter my home, nice and free
Sam 8:30PM (7/15/2009)
I vote for the X1 with 2.0 200 hp Diesel engine, prices it under 40k and i'm there.
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