Quote:
Originally Posted by SCOTT26
... the M3 cabrio will be shot on Highway One later in the summer.
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Since the Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA) begins on September 13, roughly a week before the end of summer, this means that, in addition to the M3 coupé and new 1-series coupé, visitors will also get to see the M3 cabrio for the first time -- that's at least three new sporty two-door car introductions. Juxtaposing the small coupé (mass production from Leipzig) next to the powerful M3 models (limited production from Regensburg) at the IAA in that manner means that it will indeed have to possess some spectacular performance characteristics in order to live up to the comparison. This will definitely require the deployment of more lightweight materials than is now the case in the 3-door 1-series models, which already weigh a whopping 1450 kg. Buyers of the sports coupé versions without the heavy sunroof (or is it "moonroof") option ought to be rewarded by getting a lightweight roof, plus aluminum hood and trunk lid, along with some truly light and strong, newly designed 18-inch wheels, with relatively low moments of angular inertia. (However, all four wheels of the 1-series coupé should have the same size, which is not now the case with BMW's larger sports coupés.) Still, the weight saving program should not include plastic substitute parts where they are unwelcome or degrade functionality, as was the case in the E36, which featured plastic interior door handles and plastic cooling system impellers unable to handle higher RPM.
I'm guessing the Tokyo Motor Show, shortly thereafter in October, might then feature the MINI Clubman and 4-door M3 sedan, while the Detroit Auto Fair, in early January, would show off the 1-series cabrio and X1 SUV, possibly also a Z2 concept study. The Geneva Auto Fair in March could then feature the new Z4 and either the new 7-series or CS coupé, to compete with the Porsche Panamera, plus the M1 coupé, assuming its new engine will be ready by then. If not, perhaps the M1 and Z2 will be introduced together a bit later.
Something new ought to also be shown off in the summer, during the opening of Munich's BMW Welt, so I'm wondering if that will simply be some new or improved engines, or possibly also the M3 coupé.