Autoblog: BMW M projects that didn't make it.

CrzRsn · Apr 5, 2011

So we all know about the M8 and the X5 Le Mans. And I've posted about the E34 M5 Convertible before, but here are a bunch of other secret M projects that have just come to the surface.

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.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/bmw-m-projects-that-didnt-make-it/

I think I'm going to make an M3 wagon today and get paid for it. I'd have to say that this is one of my top dream jobs. It would be like working for Q branch in a Bond film. "Now listen carefully 007, what we have here is your usual M3, but we've made it more practical. Go and test it on the 'ring to confuse everyone in the automotive world. Oh and try and bring it back in one piece." .... except a lot more German.

Also, can someone explain to me what going on with that blue E34 wagon?

Polly · Apr 5, 2011

CrazyRussian540 said:
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/crazyrussian540/2011/04/05/40-m-stillborns-press.jpg

unbreakable · Apr 5, 2011

https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/crazyrussian540/2011/04/05/75-m-stillborns-live.jpg

didn't they make an E34 M5 touring? Why is this here then?

MWF · Apr 5, 2011

Anyone else seeing Subaru here?

https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/crazyrussian540/2011/04/05/47-m-stillborns-press.jpg

CrzRsn · Apr 5, 2011

unbreakable said:
didn't they make an E34 M5 touring? Why is this here then?

Maybe thats the first one... EVER?
Or the concept.
Or maybe its something even more special that they're not telling us about.

nsx_23 · Apr 5, 2011

The things I'd do for that M8.....

:drool:

Lastsoul · Apr 5, 2011

E46 M3 Touring

Normal E34 M5 Touring was a bit confusing first, but they seem to have all their M-cars there. E46, CSL, Z4 M, M1 etc.

otispunkmeyer · Apr 5, 2011

Polly said:

Exactly.... the world needs more super wagons and BMW need to do an M3 and M5 wagon. Now. Oh wait, they do do an M5.... but they didnt when the best M5 was around. (E39)

nsx_23 said:
The things I'd do for that M8.....

My gf wants an X5

and that X5 up there is the one i'd be happy with. 700bhp V12? yes.

nsx_23 · Apr 5, 2011

She might complain about the Harness and bucket seat

FruityLexia · Apr 5, 2011

Those wagons are all radXcore.

CrzRsn · Apr 5, 2011

otispunkmeyer said:
My gf wants an X5

and that X5 up there is the one i'd be happy with. 700bhp V12? yes.

(excuse the German)

difiCa · Apr 5, 2011

My god, superwagons? Fast Bavarians? *drooool*

C3Vette · Apr 5, 2011

https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/crazyrussian540/2011/04/05/40-m-stillborns-press.jpg
If I'd have to choose one and only car for the rest of my life, that'd propably be the one.

prizrak · Apr 5, 2011

M8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

SpitfireMK461 · Apr 5, 2011

A V12 M5?

Eunos_Cosmo · Apr 5, 2011

Anyone see any turbos? I don't....

This is 100% perfection:
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/crazyrussian540/2011/04/05/10-m-stillborns-live.jpg

BMW please build some M8's!

Brabham · Apr 5, 2011

Man i love the e34 convertible! :bow:

rideclutch · Apr 5, 2011

M3 and M5 Touring = :drool:

What's that small red-convertible looking one? Almost looks like a Fiat Coupe from behind.

HatePersonified · Apr 5, 2011

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.

This just in, there is no god.

Dr.Kamiya · Apr 5, 2011

That X5 V12 is pure awesome.

Autoblog: BMW M projects that didn't make it.

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