In its storied history, just two of BMW’s cars boasted engines mounted in the middle: The M1 and the i8. For a while, it looked like the now-discontinued i8 would breed an indirect successor—likely something inspired off of the Vision M Next concept, which boasted a 600-horsepower plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. But new reports from BMW Blog and Germany’s Manager Magazin suggest the next BMW supercar is dead.
Rumors have swirled for some time now that a Vision M Next-like vehicle would make its way to production. But this on-again, off-again project for BMW now seems off for good. Why? Well, we don’t know for sure, but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic surely doesn’t help. Plus, if you add up the high development and production costs associated with a carbon-fiber intensive machine, such as the Vision M Next, then you can start to understand why it arguably makes more sense for BMW to focus on higher volume products, such as sedans and crossovers.
Additionally, BMW still has to maintain its promise to build 25 electrified models by 2023. We’ve already seen the i4 concept that will eventually make it to production—as well as the iX3, which leaked last week. It’s safe to say the German automaker is already busy enough trying to make both electrified and profitable models. While the Vision M Next’s powertrain might fulfill the former bucket, the car’s low volume means it’s less likely to succeed at accomplishing the latter.
Alas, a BMW spokesperson was unable to confirm or deny the rumors of the Vision M Next’s possible production demise, noting that “we are not able to comment on any products that have not been officially announced.” Let’s hope that non-answer means a new BMW supercar still has a shot of seeing the light of day.
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