BMW Needs A Real Enthusiast Car
BMW has gone the route of bigger and heavier cars, leaving behind the enthusiasts that want a pure driving experience. The current M2 (3814 lbs) is nearly the same weight as the F82 M4 (3830 lbs). The new M5 (5390 lbs) is more than twice the weight of an E30 M3 (2640 lbs). Some of the most iconic cars are still some of the most popular platforms across all areas of performance driving is E36 and E46 and even have their own spec racing series. BMW is pivoting away from their push for electric platforms; now, we need to get them to shift back to making “the ultimate driving machine.”
Even with the dominance of SUV and crossovers the; lightweight coupes have made a come back. Toyota led the way with their partnership with Subaru making the 86/FRS/BRZ platform, and the GR Supra. Recently, the rumor mill has churned with news of not only next generation of the GR86 and GR Supra, but also new models of the Celica and MR-2 in the works.
In 2018 Ford committed to scrap most of its sedans focus solely on trucks and SUVs. This year, Ford CEO, Jim Farley, said, “We’re getting out of the boring-car business and into the iconic-vehicle business.” What that exactly means at this point is unclear, but the Escort may be returning to production in 2025.
Toyota isn’t the only Japanese manufacturer with coupe models coming in the future. Honda has announced the return of the Prelude powered by a hybrid platform. Mazda is bringing back rotary engines and last year showcased the Iconic SP, and plans to put a version of that car into production.
Rumors are even swirling around the failing Nissan about bringing back the Silvia model.
Back to BMW. They have the 1 series. Which we haven’t had in the States since 2013. The current F40/70 comes in a sporty M135i and is based on the same platform as the current X1 Mini Countryman. Unfortunately we cant buy it in USA and its FWD. The closest thing we have to a entry-level sports car is a $40,000 base, 3500 lbs 230i, that comes with the four-cylinder turbo B48 engine. How hard would it be to shave 500 lbs from that, and have it come in under $40k? BMW already has a model from 1966 with that this hypothetical car could be a spiritual successor.
The BMW 2002 was so named for its 2.0 liter engine capacity and its 02 door body style. Its famous for its turbo engine and “TURBO” script applied in the reverse on the bumper so that cars in front would know to move over. A “neue klasse” 2002 would be a direct competitor for the the Toyota front engine RWD performance car, and give us enthusiasts more choice in the segment. It wouldn’t require too much development . They already have the 2-series and Mini models working with the B48 engine. Either shorten the 2 platform a bit or put a coupe body on top of the Countryman frame. BMW has already proved in 2016 they were interested in just such a thing with the 2002 Homage which they built for the 50th anniversary of the 2002. It featured many subtle styling cues to include a mirrored “TURBO” script on the front bumper.
I guess the timing just wasn’t right in 2016 with BMWs focus on electric cars; but now, maybe we could see a true return to the lightweight enthusiast coupe from BMW.
