Vehicle Dynamics International Interview with M-Division Head F. van Meel

[eau_rouge]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Hi guys,

just received the newest issue of Vehicle Dynamics International and saw an interesting interview with the new Head of the M-Divison, Franciscus van Meel that I want to share with you. Since taking over the lead of the M-Divsion, I am more and more "frightened" to see upcoming all-wheel drive BMW M-models. This interview was one of the first ones he gave as the new head of M-division.

A lot of business talk in the interview, but interesting for all markets around the world.

Enjoy!

PDF: Vehicle Dynamics_Interview_Mdivision_MEEL.pdf

[Blindside_137]

So they're looking into something like a black series.... And within 2 years. I like that.

Wonder if it's across the board for all M cars or just the M4 GTS we keep hearing about.

[Livfast335]

Nice interview! I wonder how they're going to make it AWD but feel like rear? Should be interesting.

[RPiM5]

This interview really says nothing new. Except perhaps why there won't be an i8///M or whatever. After the latest word about BMW cancelling a bunch of projects, I wouldn't be surprised if something ridiculous is still left on the table like an X1///M. We know that the ///M2 is definitely coming so that'll be another M Model to add to the portfolio, but nothing in support of truly challenging the Audi R8 or the Mercedes AMG-GTS. There still might be hope in the Toyota/BMW joint venture, but who knows.

One thing is certain though, and that is what he said is true. BMW M car sales in the United States account for most of the M car sales worldwide. So please just give us Americans what we want! Use all that money from the sales of the 3-Series and develop a 3.0L 8,000rpm Twin Turbo V10 that gets 26mpg for the next generation M5/M6. That's what we want! Oh and make AWD Drive optional for any/all M Cars in the future.

[Thurman Murch]

BMW M is working on an R8 competitor - but in its per usual cryptic way it is not saying so

[FilipMPower]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

This interview really says nothing new. Except perhaps why there won't be an i8///M or whatever. After the latest word about BMW cancelling a bunch of projects, I wouldn't be surprised if something ridiculous is still left on the table like an X1///M. We know that the ///M2 is definitely coming so that'll be another M Model to add to the portfolio, but nothing in support of truly challenging the Audi R8 or the Mercedes AMG-GTS. There still might be hope in the Toyota/BMW joint venture, but who knows.

One thing is certain though, and that is what he said is true. BMW M car sales in the United States account for most of the M car sales worldwide. So please just give us Americans what we want! Use all that money from the sales of the 3-Series and develop a 3.0L 8,000rpm Twin Turbo V10 that gets 26mpg for the next generation M5/M6. That's what we want! Oh and make AWD Drive optional for any/all M Cars in the future.

The V10 idea seems cool, but don't you think the engine will be too muted? The block will be tiny! 3L and two turbos? People are mad at the lack of proper noise from the S55 4,4 liter, how do you think the 3,0 liter v10 would fare? But honestly, the V10 idea sounds cool, but definitely is something we shouldn't hope for, and expect in the next M car.

[GMe90]

If BMW gets rid of the manual transmission, the competition from Mercedes Benz will increase again. A lot of manual transmission guys won't even look at a Benz because it's automatic only. If BMW gets rid of the MT, a lot of those manual guys will go elsewhere, including the Benz.

[iamdabest1]

Still don't like that this bum refuses to offer x drive on an M car. I can pretty much guarantee over 50% of M sales in the northeast would be with x drive . All the attorneys I work with refuse to get m cars because they want awd for snow but like the look of M cars even if they dont need the car for track duties.

[iamdabest1]

Originally Posted by Livfast335

Nice interview! I wonder how they're going to make it AWD but feel like rear? Should be interesting.

If maserati can do it with the ghibli then so can bmw .. I had maserati and the handling was great even with the awd , and I had 3 m3's

[FilipMPower]

Originally Posted by iamdabest1

If maserati can do it with the ghibli then so can bmw .. I had maserati and the handling was great even with the awd , and I had 3 m3's

Honestly? I had a Ghibli for 3 months, the S Q4. And I thought it looks great, the engine was amazing, but the handling? Terrible! At least in the one I drove. No steering feel, really slow steering, too much roll and the body wobbles too much. I might have just had a lemon, but my experience isn't the best.

[iamdabest1]

Originally Posted by FilipMPower

Honestly? I had a Ghibli for 3 months, the S Q4. And I thought it looks great, the engine was amazing, but the handling? Terrible! At least in the one I drove. No steering feel, really slow steering, too much roll and the body wobbles too much. I might have just had a lemon, but my experience isn't the best.

I had plenty of maintenance issues , but felt for a car that size it was a good car on par with a 535xi

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

This interview really says nothing new. Except perhaps why there won't be an i8///M or whatever. After the latest word about BMW cancelling a bunch of projects, I wouldn't be surprised if something ridiculous is still left on the table like an X1///M. We know that the ///M2 is definitely coming so that'll be another M Model to add to the portfolio, but nothing in support of truly challenging the Audi R8 or the Mercedes AMG-GTS. There still might be hope in the Toyota/BMW joint venture, but who knows.

One thing is certain though, and that is what he said is true. BMW M car sales in the United States account for most of the M car sales worldwide. So please just give us Americans what we want! Use all that money from the sales of the 3-Series and develop a 3.0L 8,000rpm Twin Turbo V10 that gets 26mpg for the next generation M5/M6. That's what we want! Oh and make AWD Drive optional for any/all M Cars in the future.

It didn't say anything new in particular but it did gives us a feel for how the company will be ran under Van Meel.

[gvega702]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

This interview really says nothing new. Except perhaps why there won't be an i8///M or whatever. After the latest word about BMW cancelling a bunch of projects, I wouldn't be surprised if something ridiculous is still left on the table like an X1///M. We know that the ///M2 is definitely coming so that'll be another M Model to add to the portfolio, but nothing in support of truly challenging the Audi R8 or the Mercedes AMG-GTS. There still might be hope in the Toyota/BMW joint venture, but who knows.

One thing is certain though, and that is what he said is true. BMW M car sales in the United States account for most of the M car sales worldwide. So please just give us Americans what we want! Use all that money from the sales of the 3-Series and develop a 3.0L 8,000rpm Twin Turbo V10 that gets 26mpg for the next generation M5/M6. That's what we want! Oh and make AWD Drive optional for any/all M Cars in the future.

Optional AWD would be key

[Diver]

I thought he would tell us everything we want to know about the M2

[vladberca]

M4 GTS is the hardcore M that will follow.
I'd like to see it next to an C AMG S on track
M Performance Diesel models are too heavy! We'll see what will happen with the new G models!

[IS3andME]

Originally Posted by iamdabest1

Still don't like that this bum refuses to offer x drive on an M car. I can pretty much guarantee over 50% of M sales in the northeast would be with x drive . All the attorneys I work with refuse to get m cars because they want awd for snow but like the look of M cars even if they dont need the car for track duties.

You did see the up close photos of an M5 mule with AWD hardware in the front?

[FilipMPower]

Originally Posted by iamdabest1

I had plenty of maintenance issues , but felt for a car that size it was a good car on par with a 535xi

The one I drove probably had suspension issues. I always felt something wacky. Like I said, it might just be a unique issue that the car I drove had.

[StealYourFace]

Ok, I will go ahead and beat a dead horse.... who cares if the automatic is faster than the manual? It is a damned street car. A couple tenths of a second don't matter. The enjoyment and how the car makes you feel do.

Just like a Z06 might be faster than a Cayman GTS, but the cayman is a more gratifying experience.... to some. Moral of the story- just give people the choice.

He mentions that the number of people opting for manuals is decreasing... well that goes without saying! The availability is decreased dramatically!

[iamdabest1]

Originally Posted by FilipMPower

The one I drove probably had suspension issues. I always felt something wacky. Like I said, it might just be a unique issue that the car I drove had.

If you go on the forums , that car is a hit or miss . plenty love it, plenty hate it. I had mine for 10 months and can say I like bmw's a lot more .

[aajami]

Good interview. I may not have liked all the answers, but the interviewer was good.

[crawfordbay]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

Ok, I will go ahead and beat a dead horse.... who cares if the automatic is faster than the manual? It is a damned street car. A couple tenths of a second don't matter. The enjoyment and how the car makes you feel do.

Just like a Z06 might be faster than a Cayman GTS, but the cayman is a more gratifying experience.... to some. Moral of the story- just give people the choice.

He mentions that the number of people opting for manuals is decreasing... well that goes without saying! The availability is decreased dramatically!

+1

[Zeroblade]

OLED coming soon? LCI tail lights vs OLED round 2!

Seems like this guy isn't in a rush to turn BMW's into Audi's thankfully. To openly express he was impressed by the F8x while at Audi must put a big grin on his face to be with BMW this time. /jelly