BMW M cars to remain RWD; More AWD Mercedes AMG's coming
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BMW M cars to remain RWD; More AWD Mercedes AMG's coming
As Mercedes sits on the cusp of adding even more AMG models with its 4Matic all-wheel drive system and Audi’s quattro reigns supreme as a reputation booster, it’s hard not to wonder if BMW will capitulate.
Past rumors suggested there might be a version of the M5 on tap with BMW’s xDrive system, and it could make sense.
Remaining a rear-wheel drive only brand arguably isolates BMW’s M Division from buyers in cold climates, but that doesn’t seem to matter to division head Friedrich Nitschke. “Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution,” he said.
Aside from handling, he also said the xDrive system adds up to 198 lbs to a car and points to the M differential as one of the industry’s best.
Nitschke also said that while only offering dual-clutch transmissions in its M cars make sense from a production standpoint, it will continue to offer manuals as long as there is demand.
Finally, he said that there won’t be an M version of the 3 Series Gran Turismo despite the M3 diversifying into sedan, coupe and convertible forms with the new 4 Series nameplate.
Past rumors suggested there might be a version of the M5 on tap with BMW’s xDrive system, and it could make sense.
Remaining a rear-wheel drive only brand arguably isolates BMW’s M Division from buyers in cold climates, but that doesn’t seem to matter to division head Friedrich Nitschke. “Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution,” he said.
Aside from handling, he also said the xDrive system adds up to 198 lbs to a car and points to the M differential as one of the industry’s best.
Nitschke also said that while only offering dual-clutch transmissions in its M cars make sense from a production standpoint, it will continue to offer manuals as long as there is demand.
Finally, he said that there won’t be an M version of the 3 Series Gran Turismo despite the M3 diversifying into sedan, coupe and convertible forms with the new 4 Series nameplate.
The recently revealed 2014 E63 AMG won’t be the only All-Wheel Drive AMG sedan coming from the German automaker says a Mercedes-Benz product manager.
“Upcoming AMG models will be available exclusively with 4Matic in North America,” Christopher Goczan told AutoGuide.com at the recent 2013 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Goczan, a Product Manager at Mercedes-Benz Canada, referenced the new E-Class AMG, and upcoming CLA 45 AMG, which both utilize all-wheel-drive.
The extremely powerful E63 AMG features 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. When you pair that awesome power with its 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, it can get to 60 mph in under four seconds, a half-second faster than the last generation To give a sportier feel, the 4Matic system in the E-class is tweaked to deliver 67% of the vehicle’s power to the rear-wheels, while the front wheels get the remaining 33%. In the upcoming CLA 45 AMG, the 4Matic system is a little different, sending 100% of the power to the front-wheels until a loss of traction is detected. With a turbocharged 360-hp four-cylinder engine, it’s likely that power will be sent to the supporting rear wheels very often.
All-wheel drive AMG models were normally reserved for Mercedes’ SUV models, like the ML63 AMG and G63 AMG. The E-class as well as the new CLS four-door coupe, are the brands first all-wheel drive performance sedans, and Gozcan promised that they certainly won’t be the last.
Mercedes has also revealed a more powerful E63 AMG S-model, which makes 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Gozcan explained that S-Model branding will replace the old “AMG Performance Package” that was previously available to AMG vehicles. The S-model changes are far more expansive than just an engine tune for more output. Goczan explained that more performance oriented brakes, exhaust and a limited slip differential will give the E-Class AMG more bite at the track.
This strategy will not interfere with Mercedes “Black Series” vehicles he says, which will still be reserved for exclusive, low-volume performance oriented vehicles.
“Upcoming AMG models will be available exclusively with 4Matic in North America,” Christopher Goczan told AutoGuide.com at the recent 2013 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Goczan, a Product Manager at Mercedes-Benz Canada, referenced the new E-Class AMG, and upcoming CLA 45 AMG, which both utilize all-wheel-drive.
The extremely powerful E63 AMG features 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. When you pair that awesome power with its 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, it can get to 60 mph in under four seconds, a half-second faster than the last generation To give a sportier feel, the 4Matic system in the E-class is tweaked to deliver 67% of the vehicle’s power to the rear-wheels, while the front wheels get the remaining 33%. In the upcoming CLA 45 AMG, the 4Matic system is a little different, sending 100% of the power to the front-wheels until a loss of traction is detected. With a turbocharged 360-hp four-cylinder engine, it’s likely that power will be sent to the supporting rear wheels very often.
All-wheel drive AMG models were normally reserved for Mercedes’ SUV models, like the ML63 AMG and G63 AMG. The E-class as well as the new CLS four-door coupe, are the brands first all-wheel drive performance sedans, and Gozcan promised that they certainly won’t be the last.
Mercedes has also revealed a more powerful E63 AMG S-model, which makes 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Gozcan explained that S-Model branding will replace the old “AMG Performance Package” that was previously available to AMG vehicles. The S-model changes are far more expansive than just an engine tune for more output. Goczan explained that more performance oriented brakes, exhaust and a limited slip differential will give the E-Class AMG more bite at the track.
This strategy will not interfere with Mercedes “Black Series” vehicles he says, which will still be reserved for exclusive, low-volume performance oriented vehicles.
#3
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Mercedes has also revealed a more powerful E63 AMG S-model, which makes 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Gozcan explained that S-Model branding will replace the old “AMG Performance Package” that was previously available to AMG vehicles. The S-model changes are far more expansive than just an engine tune for more output. Goczan explained that more performance oriented brakes, exhaust and a limited slip differential will give the E-Class AMG more bite at the track.
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#9
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for the noobs...
Remaining a rear-wheel drive only brand arguably isolates BMW’s M Division from buyers in cold climates, but that doesn’t seem to matter to division head Friedrich Nitschke. “Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution,” he said.
Remaining a rear-wheel drive only brand arguably isolates BMW’s M Division from buyers in cold climates, but that doesn’t seem to matter to division head Friedrich Nitschke. “Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution,” he said.
#10
I just hope that the CARS stay RWD (and go back to N/A =))!
#11
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IMHO if you want power and AWD buy an Audi S-anything or a 991 turbo. I love BMW's mentality of "yes we have power, yes it is RWD only, no we will not coddle you - learn to control the machine"
#13
Lead Lap
Right. I'm honestly reading this memo as "We don't have time to engineer a proper AWD system for this upcoming generation of M-cars but will in the future."
#15
Lexus Champion
IMHO, when it comes to maximum possible performance, there is no right or wrong when it comes to this (RWD versus AWD).
Both will have its own pros and cons
RWD - better in steering, handling in turns, drift-friendly, less weight BUT severely weakened in ice and snow as well as in wet conditions plus all that power can't be fully utilized during launch acceleration
AWD- better off-the-line acceleration, better grip, can still hold its own during ice and snow as well as wet/rainy conditions BUT it makes the car heavier and is not as easy to drift compared to a rear-wheel drive car
Different strokes for different folks =)
Both will have its own pros and cons
RWD - better in steering, handling in turns, drift-friendly, less weight BUT severely weakened in ice and snow as well as in wet conditions plus all that power can't be fully utilized during launch acceleration
AWD- better off-the-line acceleration, better grip, can still hold its own during ice and snow as well as wet/rainy conditions BUT it makes the car heavier and is not as easy to drift compared to a rear-wheel drive car
Different strokes for different folks =)