BMW M will have a standalone sports car powered by petrol

The high-performance division of BMW could be working on a standalone sports car that will be powered by a purely petrol engine.

Rumours that the high-performance division of BMW, BMW M, was working on a standalone sports car have been circulating ever since the company unveiled the impressive BMW M1 Hommage more than a decade ago. However, the carmaker has finally confirmed that something is in the works.

Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M, has said that “we have some very concrete plans to build something very new”. The executive said nothing about the details, but pointed out that this would not be its first standalone model, since the legendary BMW M1 was built between 1978 and 1981. However, Flasch suggested that the BMW M1 of the future is not necessarily a given, since it is simply one option and “not the only option”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH2xPIadfnI&t=3s

BMW M could build a standalone sports car

Although the new concept called BMW Vision M Next has a hybridised powertrain, the standalone model could be purely a petrol affair. As Flasch explained, BMW is working on electric and electrified propulsion systems, but BMW M will only use them when “they offer an advantage in terms of character and in terms of performance”.

“We will not do it just to be first on the market with a particular type of powertrain. That is not what our customers are looking for.” Despite that, Flasch suggested that an electric powertrain could be ideal for the standalone model.

It is not clear what form the model will take, but Flasch seemed to rule out the possibility that it will be a hardcore hypercar to take on the Mercedes-AMG One. Although he called the idea “exciting” and “fascinating”, Flasch said that BMW M is strong enough not to need a one-off. He also suggested that such a vehicle does not make much sense from a commercial or image perspective.

Naturally, we bet it has two seats and a mid-mounted engine, just like the glorious BMW M1. Apparently we will not have to wait long to see the fruits of its team’s work, and there have been previous suggestions. What makes it more interesting is knowing that the M division once ventured into the i8 hybrid sports car that will soon die out.

“We have never worked on the i8,” says Flasch, “but the i and M divisions are in constant interaction, we meet at least once a week and there are no dogmas or taboos between us.”

So why not build a full rival to the Mercedes-AMG One? “It is a fascinating idea, since we have many competitive engineers, so a halo car is always an exciting idea. But M is so strong: 2019 will be our best sales year, the brand does not need such a model. In terms of business and image, I am a little unsure whether this is necessary. I like the idea, but it needs more work.”