Next M3 a hatchback?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SuperShouden
  • 37 comments
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all they need is

1.) Take the formula of Z3 M coupe
2.) cut and paste current 3-series front end and rear lights on it
3.) profit!
 
Almost certain the E36 M3 was available as one, but I could be mistaken.

I believe you are; I've also never heard anything of this. E34 M5 had an Estate, as well as the E39 and E60.

The only Estate M I can think of is that one-off custom E91 M3.
 
I believe you are; I've also never heard anything of this. E34 M5 had an Estate, as well as the E39 and E60.

The only Estate M I can think of is that one-off custom E91 M3.

Correct, there was no E36 M3 estate, but there was also no E39 M5 estate ;)
 
We don't get the good stuff b/c all US cars have to have airbags in the seat.

No.

All US cars have to have ABS, stability management, and other passive safety devices that would make the exportation of some European cars cost too much to make business sense.

No.

What's the point of exporting, say, a 1000 or so Focus RS models if you have to change the seats, the emissions equip, and spend who knows how much to have that car crash tested, EPA tested, etc, etc, etc. Lots of bureaucracy, UAW (union) 2-fleet rules, and expenses in bringing in a new/different car to the US market.

Well let's see... Focus RS is the MkII which Ford US didn't bother to use, so it's not certified. Which yes, means cost. No point in spending the money for a few hundred cars. If we DID get that Focus however, the costs of "adapting" it would be absorbed by the rest of the model range.

Also, the roads in the US are much different than in Europe. Vast wide expressways pretty much connect the entire country and most are quite smooth. That's why automatics, big V8's, and boat-like handling is somewhat the norm as a true 'sport' suspension would leave most drivers quite tired.

Haaaaaah. Not quite the case these days but whatever. Go on.

Station wagons don't really sell in the US for 2 reasons;
1. Women like to 'feel' safe in a car - so they buy higher riding & heavier SUVs which hold the same amount of cargo.
2. Young families prefer car based mini-vans b/c of ease of access, lots of space, and perceived safety.

@1: Funny man. It's not as true as you think.
@2: Minivans make sense. Crossovers don't, seeing as they're nothing but lifted wagons.

There may be a small niche for a wagon/estate in the US - but everyone who's tried has failed. If you need that much space; SUVs are perceived as being safer and mini-vans are more convenient.

Funny how you don't yell about it being a gov't and automaker conspiracy to keep everyone driving bloated, overweight pigs but you whine about the UAW etc. If marketing was done right, there WOULD be a market for a wagon.

Also, small note... Stop using b/c instead of "because". It's annoying as hell.
 
Funny how you don't yell about it being a gov't and automaker conspiracy to keep everyone driving bloated, overweight pigs but you whine about the UAW etc. If marketing was done right, there WOULD be a market for a wagon.

Also, small note... Stop using b/c instead of "because". It's annoying as hell.

Get your facts straight kid b/c it's making you look hypersensitive.
 
SCOTT26 from Bimmerpost (a man in the know)... had this to say,,

The 3er GT is coming due to the response of the 5er GT which has sold over 20,000 units since it's introduction late last year, highly significant for a low volume premium product. In the US. The 5er GT has already eclipsed over two-years Combined sales of the 5er Touring, since it's North American introduction earlier this year.
 
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