2017 BMW M9
Every once in a while, there are rumors
about BMW releasing a supercar to succeed the legendary M1 but until quite
recently these proved to be false. It seems that this
model might be released as the 2017 BMW M9, a car loosely based on the i8 but
with a lot of changes made to its chassis and running gear to become a real
supercar.
So far there aren’t that many details
available, the upcoming M9 is expected to use the
carbon fiber structure of the i8 but with an entirely new body, running gear,
engine, and interior. All of these will basically make a whole new car that
will be priced accordingly to its class.
This means that the future M9 might
start at well over US$ 150,000 for a base model and more than US$ 250,000 for a top
of the range version, a pricing scheme similar to that of the Audi R8. However,
the M9 will be a bit more different thankfully to its hybrid powertrain.
The M9 will be offered with two different engine options. The base
model, which will rival the R8 or the base 911, is expected to feature a
longitudinally mid-mounted 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline six petrol engine
good for up to 460 horsepower and over 400 lb-ft of torque. This will drive the
rear wheels via a dual-clutch seven speed automatic.
A more powerful version will use the
same petrol engine but as an extra it will also feature two electric motors on
the rear axle, basically giving more than 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of
torque in a rear wheel drive model, just like the P1 or the LaFerrari.
The cabin will also be all new, but some
features from 5 or 7 Series sedans will be offered here. Since these are only
early stage rumors, there is still a lot more time for changes.
