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BMW M projects that didn't make it

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, BMW, Design/Style

BMW M Projects - Click above for massive high-res image gallery

BMW's M division comes up with some pretty crazy ideas - things like M3 pickups and M5 cabrios. Even the X6 M could be safely defined as 'radical.' And while some make it into production, there are plenty other awesome projects that never see the light of day.

While giving us a preview of the new M5 Concept, the Bavarian skunkworks division also showcased a few of those stillborn projects. One of them was a CSL version of the recently-departed M6 coupe, unburdened of 220 pounds of excess weight, given a power boost and fitted with active aerodynamics and an electronically deployed rear spoiler. But while the prototype was reportedly fully developed, the beancounters in Munich ultimately passed on its production.

The same fate reportedly befell an M8 prototype that would have slotted in above the 850 CSi. That particular coupe that was available packed with a 375-horsepower V12, but the never-was M8 was blessed with a lofty 550 hp from its 12-cylinder engine. After the M8 project was canceled, the engine was retasked for use in another supercar: the McLaren F1.

Another variant of that high-revving V12 - originally bound for Le Mans duty - was also placed in a first-gen X5 prototype with a six-speed manual, 700 horsepower and a 186-mile-per-hour top end. Another rear-drive X5 prototype developed by the M division was in attendance and, naturally, never reached production, along with an M-ified 318ti (hot), E46 M3 wagon (hotter), E39 M5 wagon (hottest) and one horribly overwrought red roadster (above) with a clear connection to the Z1 and Z3 convertible. And as for the E92-based M3 pickup; it was built as a replacement for beheaded and bedded E30 the M crew developed way-back-when to haul parts.

Finally, last year, BMW toyed with shoehorning the V12 engine into the outgoing M5 to replace its V10 and celebrate the model's 25th anniversary (it was first introduced in 1985), but found the engine bay just a little too tight for the Le Mans-based engine. Sigh.

You can check out all the stillborn Ms in our galleries below.

Gallery: BMW M Projects

BMW M projects that didn't make it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas

Noah Joseph — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Auctions, BMW

Click above the view a gallery of this custom convertible BMW 850i

Long before the retro-licious Z8 and the modern 6 Series, BMW's range-topping sport coupe was the 8-Series. Characterized by its distinctive shark nose and available with a choice of eight- or 12-cylinder engines, the 8-Series was sadly never offered as a convertible. But it would have made a smart-looking roadster, as one customer was evidently determined to discover.

Commissioned by Erik Williams, offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys back in their glory days, this one-of-a-kind 1991 BMW 850i convertible is now up for sale by a dealer in New Braunfels, Texas. Craftsmanship of the folding soft-top, as you can see from the images in the gallery below, may not be up to world-class standards, but for a unique V12-powered German cabrio, the $25,900 asking price is at least accessible.

Gallery: Custom 1991 BMW 850Ci

[Source: Automaniacs via CarScoop]

Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW 8 Series on the way, no M-version planned

Michael Harley — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, BMW, Rumormill

Click on the image above for our high-res Concept CS gallery

With their scopes aimed squarely at the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW's M performance division is rumored to be working on their own four-door luxury GT for a 2010 launch. With its styling based heavily on the BMW Concept CS (pictured above), the platform for the new flagship will be shared with the new 7 Series. Under the hood, most expect to see a 6.0-liter V12 based on the current M5's V10, or a twin-turbocharged V8 like the one rumored for the next-gen M5. Even though both of those engines promise prodigious amounts of power, and the lightened chassis will be tuned for performance, BMW insists the new car will not be badged an M8. Regardless, we seem to recall that the lack of an M badge on the mid-90's BMW 850CSi didn't seem to deter enthusiasts.

Gallery: BMW Concept CS

[Source: Drive.com]

Rumormill: BMW 8 Series on the way, no M-version planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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