Autoblog

Of all the things that have hampered performance over the last two decades, vehicle weight is at the top of the list. Automakers have responded by putting more power under the hood to make up for the extra pounds, and BMW is as guilty as the rest – particularly with its M cars. The first (E30) M3 came packing a 2.3-liter four-pot and was able to put out an astonishing (at the time) 212 197 hp. When the E36 came along a few years later, the cylinder count increased by two and stayed that way through the E46 generation until today, where the new E92 M3 is motivated by a 4.0-liter V8 outputting more than double of the original, but also weighing considerably more.

So what's the next step? BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is at least aware of this fact and mentioned to Auto Motor und Sport that he'd like to see the next batch of M cars lose a few cylinders, while simultaneously dropping the pounds. He points to the twin-turbocharged inline-six in the 135i, 335i and 535i as a good indication of what the future might hold, particularly in the case of the M-badged variants that would make more use of forced induction rather than upgraded displacement and higher cylinder counts (not that they could get much higher). We can only dream, but with emissions standards increasing across the globe, it's the next logical evolution of the performance breed.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via TTAC]

As expected, the recently adjusted U.S. CAFE requirements have put pressure on automakers. Specifically brands focused on performance and luxury must do the most to change their impact on the environment. One company that falls into this category is BMW. Last September CEO Norbert Reithofer hinted that the possible creation of a forth brand to mesh with BMW, Rolls-Royce and MINI is in the company's longterm plans through 2020. However, no specific details were uncovered until recently. The German manufacturer has come forward to state it is feeling the fuel economy crunch. If established a fourth brand would offer fuel sipping front-wheel drive vehicles that do not necessarily fit in with other current brand options. While the BMW lineup has dabbled with hydrogen power and features a range of diesel solutions, executives do not want to taint its performance image.

The resort to an additional brand comes after analyzing a few more simple solutions. The possibility of a MINI transformation into an economy image was dropped due to fear of hurting the unique automobile's design appeal with too many models (although somehow they decided it's a good idea to make a MINI SUV). The BMW Group has also shot down the possibility of purchasing any brands currently up for sale by other manufacturers, since none meet their green image needs. They have also passed over the notion of revitalizing a dead brand, like Triumph or Riley, which are BMW owned. So what's on the horizon? That's open to debate, but a fourth brand strictly focused on fuel economy and emissions is a distinct possibility.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

We knew that BMW chairman Helmut Panke would go "buh-bye" after his contract expires in 2007 due to BMW's policy to boot any leader over the age of 60, but we weren't sure who would take the helm. BMW has announced that the man for the job is Norbert Reithofer, who has been production manager since 2000. The 50 year-old German has been with BMW since 1987.

Thanks to a stint managing the company's Spartanburg, S.C. plant, Reithofer has some experience with BMW's U.S. operations and the American market, which is of importance to the company.

It has not been reported whether Panke will sit on the supervisory board after he turns over the top spot -- the board does not currently have a seat open.

[Source: Associated Press via the Houston Chronicle]