The guys over at Insideline.com had an interesting talk and interview with Albert Biermann, head of product development of BMW’s M performance division. He told the online magazine that they would like to develop their own M car. He said:
From an engineering perspective we have the skills and we’d love to do it. We’ve discussed it several times but we’ve never been able to make the business case. Everything we do has to make money.
Biermann also gave some additional info regarding the adaption of alternative powertrains and the use of turbocharged engines. He said:
Our job is to sell emotion and fun, using the technology that’s socially acceptable at the time. Whether that’s a combustion engine or an electric motor, we don’t care.
It’s about employing the right technology at the right time and we’re on a steep learning curve with turbos. We’re getting damn close to matching the response of a naturally aspirated engine but with much lower fuel consumption.
With respect to a diesel M car he said:
We’d never say never if the technology becomes available, but right now we don’t have the diesel technology to match the responsiveness of the new M5.
This is rather interesting information regarding the future perspective of the M brand as a whole. Stay tuned for more in the future.
