Why no proper coupe for BMW?

[squala]

Here, I'm talking about a Porsche 911 rival. They make brilliant engines and chassis, but missed out on one model that could have been a proper GT. The current M3 coupe is still not a pure sports car, while the 6-Series is too big it's more of a luxury car. The 911 Carrera S can beat an M6 in a twisty road despite the latter having over a hundred hp more.

A true GT has to have not just great power, but also usable power. The 911 is around for over 40 years now, and they're getting closer and closer to perfecting it. Current models are also very dependable already. It's now the all-around personal car - an everyday driver that can also be used to unadulterated fun.

I'm pretty sure BMW can create something like that, and perhaps even sell at a cheaper price than the Porsche. Other small manufacturers like Morgan outsource engines from them, like the powerful 4.4-liter V8 seen in the X5. The defunct Z8 had enough to go head-to-head with a Ferrari 360, but for some reason, it didn't draw as many fans as expected. The 8-Series also wasn't that successful following the fame of the original 6-Series in the 80s. So I guess 8 isn't really a lucky number for them.

Yes, I'm thinking of a Z6. If they can come up with something as nimble as a 911, with a range of powerful engines to boot, it will certainly be great. They've got the philosophy already, so why not?

[wren]

porsche...there is no substitute.

porsche has cornered that market already, so few dare to venture in. besides, how can you improve on perfection?

[theveed]

Simple, they're not interested in that market.

Honestly, such markets don't make a lot of money.

[Wouie]

madaming mas mahusay at sikat na kalaban

[pixelparadigm]

But for a name like BMW, sometimes should they focus not only on profitability, but also on pride.

Volkswagen, for example, created the Bugatti Veyron, the fastest car, or the fastest car that would ever be on the earth, for the sake of a "Technical Exercise" rather than making a profit from it.

[BlueBimmer]

prestige and profit. maybe thats enough for them.

IMO the M5/M6 alone beats the Porsche Cayman S or 911. and i hate how all porsches look 90% the same.

[theveed]

Pride has little to do with coming out with a coupe when you have a 4-door sedan that can go toe-to-toe to a 911 anyway. That's a bigger accomplishment for them than coming out with a coupe.

In addition, there's no direct match up for 911s anyway until others start coming up with rear mounted boxer engines.

Their market rival is MB, Audi, Lexus and Jag... I think they'll stick to that.

[BlueBimmer]

yep, when you say BMW, Porsche isnt exactly the first rival auto manufacturer that comes to mind. more like MERC and AUDI.

[ghosthunter]

Volkswagen, for example, created the Bugatti Veyron, the fastest car, or the fastest car that would ever be on the earth, for the sake of a "Technical Exercise" rather than making a profit from it.

saw that car on Top Gear... 1000hp factory stock.

[theveed]

GH: Hehe, I don't think anyone will be attempting to "UPGRADE" it with IHE hahaha

[BlueBimmer]

four turbos!! that veyron is something. even faster than a F1 car on a straight line.

[BlueBimmer]

and IIRC, it can empty its full tank in 12 mins..flatout whoa!!!!

[KCboy]

bmw can just supply the engine to some other car manufactirer who would want to compete with porsche.

[mazdamazda]

The current M3 coupe is still not a pure sports car

It seems that you haven't heard of the last gen ///M Roadster and ///M Coupe? It has with it the M3's engine - on a lighter body. This is one overlooked and underrated car:



And if you haven't heard... they have the Z4 right? Just a few years down the road and we'll be seeing the new ///M Roadster. A 400hp V8 is a big possibility.

[BlueBimmer]

not to mention the upcoming Z4 M Coupe

[van_wilder]

TARGET MARKET...

whats the target market of BMW?
whats the image they want to project?

SHEER DRIVING PLEASURE and ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE...

for whom? for the rich people... more of luxurious driving experience than adrenaline rush...

[squala]

Of course I know the M Coupe and Roadster before, but like the current Z4, they competed with the Porsche Boxster. Perhaps they'll come out with a Z4 coupe to fight the Cayman and hopefully an M version of both.

But the topic here is a 911 competitor, and the Boxster and Cayman are a level down that car. One of you said BMW can just sell engines to manufacturers that want to create a 911 rival, but why not do it themselves? Besides, they're supposed to be the ultimate driving machine, right? With that Porsche around, I think they have yet to fulfill that slogan with a true purist's car.

[van_wilder]

But for a name like BMW, sometimes should they focus not only on profitability, but also on pride.

Volkswagen, for example, created the Bugatti Veyron, the fastest car, or the fastest car that would ever be on the earth, for the sake of a "Technical Exercise" rather than making a profit from it.

naniwala ka naman dun... sa price nun veyron impossible na hindi sila kikita dun...

300 units sold at 1.5M (base) each...
=$450M

less 10% for dealer's cut... (45M)
less 10% for marketing (45M)
less 35% for Cost of GOODS SOLD (157.5M)
less $56.25M for labor expenses (150p x 5 years * $75,000(avg) per year)*
less $20M for misc expenses
less $50M (est) for R&D
---------
=$373.75M

450M - 373.75M
= 76.25M
less 30% tax... 22.875M

= 53.375M just for 300 cars? not bad!


*bloated average yan... imagine 150 ang tao na gagawa at may sweldo ng 4.125M pesos a year or 343,750 a month...

[BlueBimmer]

Perhaps they'll come out with a Z4 coupe to fight the Cayman and hopefully an M version of both.

"Official: in june 2006 the arrival of the BMW Z4 and Z4M Coupe"

"Engine-wise, it's certain that the Z4 Coupè will have the three most performing 6 inlines of the Z4 Roadster range: the 2.5i (231 hp), the 3.0i (265 hp) and the 3.2 Motorsport with 343 hp on the Z4M Coupè"

the Z4 M Coupe isnt 'hopefully' coming, it IS coming very soon

[van_wilder]

Of course I know the M Coupe and Roadster before, but like the current Z4, they competed with the Porsche Boxster. Perhaps they'll come out with a Z4 coupe to fight the Cayman and hopefully an M version of both.

But the topic here is a 911 competitor, and the Boxster and Cayman are a level down that car. One of you said BMW can just sell engines to manufacturers that want to create a 911 rival, but why not do it themselves. Besides, they're supposed to be the ultimate driving machine, right? With that Porsche around, I think they have yet to fulfill that slogan with a true purist's car.

brand management... they want people to think of BMW as a luxurious brand rather than a porsche rival... they want the whole BMW concept to be luxury... thats why yachting and golf are the only ones in their lifestyle shop... and yun mga events na sponsored nila pansin mo puro pang-rich...

the question is not whether they can do it or not... but, if by doing it would it be harmful or beneficial for the brand?

imagine this, salvatorre ferragamo would make boots for delta force soldiers to show the world how durable his shoes are... they are not just stylish and classic but durable as well... none of his market would care, it would be harmful for the brand, clients would shy away from his brand...

if they would make a 911 rival... would it be more profitable and beneficial for the company in the long-run? does the target market want it?

i dunno... but their survey and marketing research says they dont need one...