First rumors and predictions about upcoming 2016 BMW M9 are available. BMW is currently the only premium German manufacturer without a proper super-car and despite the fact they released the i8 to fill that role, that particular model is no match for the Audi R8 or even for the AMG GT, both of which are cheaper and a lot more powerful. However, it does seem that a model is going to be released to compete with these cars but at this point in time the details are quite scarce about it.
The name for the car will most likely be the 2016 BMW M9 and while the name may not say much, it seems that it will actually use the carbon fiber chassis of the i8.
2016 BMW M9 – Engine
Engine wise, the 2016 BMW M9 has been rumored to get an inline 6 petrol engine which would make it the only mid-mounted inline 6 engined car in the World, right after the legendary M1. The engine could be the same 3 liter turbocharged unit from the M3 and M4 but it will likely be tweaked so it will offer between 500 and 600 horsepower.
This will send all of its power to the rear wheels via a 7 speed dual-clutch automatic which will likely be co-developed with Ricardo. The front wheels will also be powered by one or two electric motors which will boost the output of the 2016 BMW M9 to more than 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. The performance of the car will be in line with that of its competitors and a stock car could get to 60 MPH in less than 3 seconds and up to a maximum top speed of over 200 MPH.
Design – Exterior and interior
The design is currently under wraps but a few weeks ago an artist rendered the 2016 BMW M9 after hearing the rumors and news released about it so far. Considering it will be based on the i8, it is expected to be similar in size to that car as well.
However, most of the panels should get replaced with new carbon fiber bits that will be able to handle the extra power and speed of the new model as well as give it a unique look. The renders offer quite an aggressive looking car with side intakes, an angular design quite different from what BMW current has and which seems to be inspired by that of the original M1.
BMW M9 – Interior
Inside the cabin, the 2016 BMW M9 might get a similar interior to the i8, especially considering that both of them will get the same cabin. This will be stylized for the M9 with a new instrument cluster as well as different seats, but the actual layout of the cabin could be carried over. The M9 will also feature a unique steering wheel that will be borrowed by the other M models at a later date.
2016 BMW M9 – Price
This would allow BMW to keep costs down and also to focus on its running gear and engine which are two of the most important aspects of a super-car. The release date has not been announced but we do expect at least a concept car to be released at the end of 2016 with the production model following in the next couple of years. The price will likely hover between $150,000 and up to $240,000 which would allow them to tackle the higher end market such as the R8 V10, the AMG GT S and even the Lamborghini Huracan.
However, there are some drawbacks for this price point because it puts them in direct competition with Ferrari and McLaren. This will not be a problem if BMW will manage to release a perfectly balanced car and considering how their M division is doing lately, this will likely be a real possibility for them.
