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BMW M

Transmisi manual, yang dahulu menjadi kegemaran peminat pemanduan, kini menghadapi kehadiran yang semakin berkurang di pasaran automotif. Bahagian M BMW, antara jenama yang masih menawarkan pilihan manual, telah memberi isyarat bahawa pilihan ini mungkin akan hilang tidak lama lagi.

Dalam satu temuramah baru-baru ini, ahli lembaga pengarah BMW, Frank Weber, mengakui permintaan yang semakin berkurang untuk transmisi manual. Beliau mencatatkan bahawa walaupun model M manual ini menyeronokkan untuk dipandu, jumlah jualan yang semakin berkurang menjadikan ia tidak praktikal untuk terus membangunkannya. Weber menasihatkan bakal pembeli yang berminat dengan kereta M manual untuk membuat pembelian mereka dengan segera, memberi petunjuk mengenai penamatan yang akan datang bagi model-model ini.

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The manual transmission, once a staple of driving enthusiasts, is facing a dwindling presence in the automotive market. BMW’s M division, one of the few brands still offering manual options, has hinted that this choice may soon disappear.

In an interview, BMW board member Frank Weber acknowledged that the demand for manual transmissions is shrinking. He noted that while these manual M models are enjoyable to drive, the diminishing sales volumes make it impractical to continue developing them. Weber advised potential buyers interested in manual M cars to make their purchase soon, hinting at the impending discontinuation of these models.

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BMW is taking a significant step in its electric vehicle (EV) lineup, and recent trademark applications suggest that the nomenclature for its forthcoming EVs will maintain simplicity. Notably, the electric 5 Series will adopt the straightforward moniker of the i5. Now, BMW is gearing up for the release of an electric M3, with a trademark application filed for the name “iM3” in Germany.

2023 BMW M3 CS5

While BMW had the option to follow its high-performance SUV naming convention, such as using “i3 M,” it appears the company is leaning towards the iM3 designation. Despite the potential pronunciation quirk in English, where it sounds like “I am three,” BMW has a history of unique nomenclature, evident in models like the i8.

BMW’s M division has been vocal about its commitment to electrification. It’s important to note that while the i4 M50 exists in the lineup, it falls under the M Performance category, not a full-fledged M Car.

Last summer, BMW disclosed its development of a four-motor powertrain, currently undergoing testing in the i4 M50. This advanced powertrain is expected to find its way into the upcoming electric M3, likely built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse

As of now, BMW has not provided a specific timeline for the release of the electric M3 or the introduction of a new electric 3 Series. Expectations suggest a wait of at least a couple of years. However, if the recent trademark is any indication, the electric M3 might don the distinctive iM3 moniker when it finally hits the market.

In recent times, BMW has shifted its focus towards the Competition models for the X5 M and X6 M, indicating a strategic move to make them the starting point for full-fledged M models. This shift is part of BMW’s plan to revamp the M lineup, reimagining its trajectory for the future. The intention is to eliminate the standard M model entirely, with the M440i and similar lower-performance models bridging the gap between the regular BMW vehicles and the high-performance M models.

Frank van Meel, the CEO of BMW M, highlighted that the M brand has adopted the Competition layer as the new standard. The plan is to phase out the standard M model, making Competition the norm. Consequently, there will no longer be a distinct differentiation between M and M Competition; instead, all M models will bear the Competition badge in the future.

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For both the brand-new 5 Series and i5 models, BMW has developed a variety of M Performance Parts, addressing the needs of consumers who want to improve the appearance of their executive cars.

The external options include a front spoiler lip, side skirts, a three-part rear diffuser, and a rear boot lid spoiler for cars with the M Sport or M Sport Pro package. These parts are made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which makes them both light and strong. Also, available in CFRP material are optional extras like side mirror covers and an Aramid antenna cover.

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As predicted, the M3 Touring is in high demand in Europe, and the brand is barely keeping up with deliveries. According to BMW M CEO Frank van Meel, the company even doubled production capacity at its site in Munich to keep up.

The M3 Touring’s popularity has shocked the firm, according to the CEO.

According to reports, BMW M has been considering a lighter and more potent CS version of the M3 Touring because of the high demand for the model. The specific modifications that may be done to this model are unknown, but it stands to reason that it would benefit from a variety of new aerodynamic enhancements and could make use of various M Performance Parts.

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For those who are still not satisfied with what the BMW M3 Competition offers, the new M3 CS unveiled today offers performance levels that make it the most powerful M3 ever. As one of the special edition models in BMW M’s range for this year, the M3 CS will be produced only in limited numbers.

Visually, the M3 CS can be differentiated from the M3 Competition by the more aggressive look to the large grille. The frameless BMW kidney grille has a stripped-back look reminiscent of racing cars. Both the model badge at the front and its counterpart on the bootlid have black surfaces with a red border as identifying features.

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Following the launch of the updated 3-Series recently, BMW Malaysia now has another new model to kickstart 2023 and it’s the new M2 which had its global debut last October during BMW M’s 50th anniversary.

Two versions of the M2 are available – the standard version priced at RM598,800 (without insurance) and a sportier upscale version with a Pro Package priced at RM642,800. The pricing for both versions includes a 5-year extended warranty and service. Online pre-booking can be done at shop.bmw.com.my.

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BMW M has one last present for fans to celebrate its 50th anniversary – a modern version of the BMW 3.0 CSL which became one of the most successful racing cars of its era. The legendary sportscar both for the racetrack and the road was a puristic car that appeared in the founding year of BMW Motorsport GmbH.

The racing version won the European Touring Car Championship during its inaugural season in 1973 – and repeated this title win 5 more times. The road version of the racing car which was also known as 3.0 CSL (the initials for ‘Coupe, Sport, Lightweight) had aggressive bodywork with a rear wing that got it the nickname of ‘Batmobile’.

Now BMW M will build the 21st century 3.0 CSL which will be the most exclusive special model the company has ever produced. No more than 50 units will be available so it will have the status of rarity right away.

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2022 being the 50th anniversary year of BMW M, celebrations have been held in various ways. In Malaysia, there has been a huge convoy of BMW M models travelling through the city and BMW Malaysia also launched 5 new models as well as searched for the oldest M model in the country.

More recently, six owners established new listings in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) during the M4NTAP Track Day at the Sepang International Circuit. The event, organised by local car club M4NTAP, had 50 BMW vehicles, largely consisting of BMW M models, with 700 members of the public present to observe the activities.

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