E92 M3 CSL canceled.

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*clicketh teh linkeh*

There were around 1,400 examples of the BMW e46 M3 CSL built, and by all accounts they were exceptionally well received. However, according to Ludwig Willisch, the boss of the automaker's M division, the current e92 M3 won't get the same treatment. He – or perhaps the accountants – feel that "based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL."

If a current scorching version of the e92 were to exist, it would have been bumped by anywhere from 36 to 56 horsepower, shed 200 pounds or more, worn some different tires and a set of bigger lungs. In light of the possible volume, though, which would be small, BMW – or again, its accountants – would rather focus on the X6 and X5 for now.
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That, my friends, is a burn.
"We don't have time to better our performance 3-series in response to people criticizing it becoming soft compared to Mercedes. We need to focus on our pointless Pontiac Aztek copy and pointless tall 5-series wagon."
 
BMW stopping development of their most Ultimate Driving Machine? Sad indeed.

This and then the M1 news makes me wonder if BMW is going through what Toyota did 5-10 years ago and going bland after having a good lineup.
 
ultimate driving machine? Dont make me laugh.

More like ultimate money making machine :lol:

Oh well atleast Merc are making more hardcore vehicles and audi are rumoured to want to make leightweight versions of their RS models!
 
Major Blargh.

NOT something I wanted to hear. The M1 hommage getting axed was okay...but, come on, this green attitude is getting on my nerves...BMW used to be one of those brands that gave CAFE the finger and just paid the fine.
 
I could understand the demand part if people weren't buying that many M3s for financial reasons because that would make sense to me here. *waves fist at economy* But I see brand new 3-series roaming around all the time and a few M3s to boot so I highly doubt they're lacking in demand. If they built 1,000 of them I'm sure well-off and wealthy people would buy them for their exclusivity alone.
 
I'm not upset over the decision, but I'm confused as well. Making a few specialty cars has never scared BMW off before, so I guess to that end, I just don't understand why they'd be so concerned about money when they clearly have MINI to fill out the bottom line...

*sigh*

I guess money is tight everywhere?
 
RIP BMW. Merc has finally surpassed them in the overall sport catagory. I wouldn't be surprised to see more "affordable" sport models from Merc in the next few years to take what else BMW has on the market share in that arena. And Audi + lightweight RS model = wtfomgbbq
 
:lol: I always thought Ultimate Driving Machine was funny.

As for the CSL, ehh... oh well I guess. Sadly, I actually started liking the M1 better anyway.
 
BMW is run by a bunch of stubborn Germans; they've really got their heart set on the X-series, and there's nothing we can do but wait until they realize focusing their efforts on big wagons is a rather daft plan coming from a company that has already acknowledged "going green," as they did in explaining the M1's demise.

The smart thing to do would be to use the next generation 1-series to reintroduce 4-cylinder BMWs into the american market, with a more practical but still compact hatch/coupe, maybe even a sedan. If they could give it a truly lightweight chassis, not go overboard with the "understeer safety net," and at least undercut $25,000, it'd be a hit with enthusiasts, and would only help the CAFE situation with its selection of small, economical engines.
 
Wolfe
The smart thing to do would be to use the next generation 1-series to reintroduce 4-cylinder BMWs into the american market, with a more practical but still compact hatch/coupe, maybe even a sedan. If they could give it a truly lightweight chassis, not go overboard with the "understeer safety net," and at least undercut $25,000, it'd be a hit with enthusiasts, and would only help the CAFE situation with its selection of small, economical engines.
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You sir are a genius. Send that post to BMW with haste! :sly: And would it be wrong of me to want to see some Merc A-class and B-class love in the US?
 
Well that sucks to hear. So they are giving up on consumer demands on sports car and make ugly and useless crossover cars vans that has no use to the people? If they want to go green with envy, go ahead and do what they want. Its about time Mercedes and Audi make better sports car than BMW, the M3 has been on the top for too long now.....
 
well, for me the 1-series is the new E30.. now, all they need to do is shoehorn that lovely 3l twinturbo into the 3-door hatch and watch enthusiasts go nuts..
 
BMW has severe financial problems, that's the only reason I see. They are not broke, but it's never been that bad.

For example they sold almost 30% less 3 series than last year, they are selling their company used cars for 40% and more beyond list price - unthinkable a few years ago.
 
Leonidae
well, for me the 1-series is the new E30.. now, all they need to do is shoehorn that lovely 3l twinturbo into the 3-door hatch and watch enthusiasts go nuts..
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...over a heavy lump of a car in the same way that all the modern German cars are heavy lumps compared to their predecessors. What BMW really need to do is give us something like the 1-series tii concept, with a good chunk of weight removed (if Prodrive can remove 100kg from the Brera then I'm sure BMW can remove 100kg from the 1-series), and a high-revving 4-cylinder engine (maybe turbocharged) to give us a true E30 M3 successor 👍
 
Max_DC
BMW has severe financial problems, that's the only reason I see. They are not broke, but it's never been that bad.

For example they sold almost 30% less 3 series than last year, they are selling their company used cars for 40% and more beyond list price - unthinkable a few years ago.
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BMW really has financial problems? Any links to that? Thought they were doing super well along with the other 3 big germans.
 
They made $3 billion in profits last year. They probably could afford to make this car.

Down in sales? Over 2/3rds of every BMW sold was in Germany (2006). Although, the German car market sold the fewest cars ever last year. So maybe that has to do with it.
 
JCE
You sir are a genius. Send that post to BMW with haste! :sly: And would it be wrong of me to want to see some Merc A-class and B-class love in the US?
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You don't have to be a genius to know that a light, cheap, 4-cylinder RWD car that offers cornering thrills to the hardcore crowd and an affordable, economical ticket to the BMW badge to the mainstream crowd would be popular. :D

Besides, it's about time they got on board with Ferrari and started focusing on how to make their cars smaller and lighter. If the industry can follow in Maranello's footsteps, it'll only benefit everyone.
 
Wolfe
You don't have to be a genius to know that a light, cheap, 4-cylinder RWD car that offers cornering thrills to the hardcore crowd and an affordable, economical ticket to the BMW badge to the mainstream crowd would be popular. :D
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It's amazing how these companies (Not just BMW) Don't know this and don't realize they could make a killing with something of this formula.
 
Interesting that the Miata doesn't seem to be "the hot item" anymore. Yet that and the S2000 are about the only cars that are light (or at least seem like it) and RWD.
 
Those also don't seem to be selling like hotcakes. The Boxter still seems a little exclusive and I only see Z4s because they've been around forever. And it's also very rare that I see any of the new TTs around.
 
I can't help but think it's because their cars cost alot and the economy is hurting that. I can guarantee that's the reason my family at least can't buy the nice stuff we used to.
 
Those are all sportscars, Philly. I'm talking about something that can seat four, carry a decent amount of luggage, and kinda fit in with traffic. :)
 

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