Bmw has previewed the future of its performance cars with a radical new concept that sets the tone for the future of its M division. The M Concept Neue Klasse was unveiled at the Le Mans 24 Hours race as a statement of intent for how motorsport will influence the design, technology and character of upcoming cars from Bmw M – which later this year enters a new chapter with the unveiling of the all-new M3 saloon.
The new M3 will be based on the recently revealed i3 saloon, riding on Bmw's new Gen6 platform and offered with the choice of straight-six or electric power. However, it will be a wildly different technical proposition and have a completely bespoke design – with its defining elements shown for this first time on this concept.
Just as the Vision Neue Klasse evolved into the i3 with minimal changes to its fundamental design, so M's new show car is thought to give a strong indication of what the first full-fat electric M car will look like in its final form. It is a statement of intent for recently appointed Bmw M design chief Oliver Heilmer, previously head of design at Bmw-owned Mini, who says the performance division's new design language “forms the expressive spearhead of the Neue Klasse – determined and powerful”.
View Price on AmazonThe aim is for the next generation of M cars to be more overtly distinguished from their mainstream counterparts than the current crop is – even the outgoing M3 and M4, which share only their broad silhouettes and basic platform with the standard 3 and 4 Series. “At Bmw M, form consistently follows function,” said Heilmer. “Every detail serves performance. This project is truly special to me because it carries the Bmw M character into the new era.”
To that end, the M Concept has been designed to be “instantly recognisable as a high-performance automobile”, said Bmw, with a raft of features that point to its dazzling dynamic potential. Some of the most striking of these include the unusual V-shaped bonnet, which frames the prominent air intake for the high-output EV drivetrain; the ‘shark nose’ grille that’s reminiscent of past performance icons such as the 3.0 CSL and 635 CSi; the aero-optimised, M-specific wing mirror designs; the heavily swollen rear arches; and the various aero elements made from natural fibres.
There’s a ‘trimaran-style’ front bumper design too, which is claimed to have been inspired by high-speed sailing boats – with a three-part design that “underlines the vehicle’s technical performance”. It’s echoed by a similar set-up at the back, in combination with a ducktail rear wing that boosts downforce and aerodynamic efficiency. Bmw also points to the yellow headlights as a feature derived from race cars – such as its own M Hybrid V8 LMDh sports prototype, which competes in the World Endurance Championship. It says these will be “a signature feature” of upcoming M cars and they are flanked on the concept by 3D-effect ‘track lights’ in the bumper.
Source: autocar.co.uk
