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      11-20-2012, 10:24 AM   #1
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Arrow BMW M8 Supercar Rumored for 2016, While Z2 Roadster is Nixed

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BMW M8 Supercar Rumored for 2016, While Z2 Roadster is Nixed
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The ever persistent rumors of a BMW supercar surfaces again. This time, Automobile claims that a 600+ hp BMW M8 supercar is headed for a 2016 debut (to celebrate BMW's 100th anniversary).

Although BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is said to be ambivalent on the idea of a supercar, BMW M President Dr. Friedrich Nitschke remains dogged on the project while getting creative by considering the production of the M8 on the same carbon fiber / aluminum platform as the i8 hybrid electric sports car. This would not only create production economies of scale (less expensive production costs) while also giving the M8 a significant weight advantage over its rivals.

If such a supercar was indeed built, giving it an M8 nameplate shouldn't pose an issue or conflict. Unlike the 1 Series M Coupe which was not badged as the M1 because of the already existing legendary car from the late 70's, an M version of the 8 Series never saw production. There was a single prototype M8 built and powered by a 550hp version of the BMW M70 V12 engine, but it never made it to production and BMW built the 375hp 850CSi instead.

Or, this supercar may not even be badged as an M8, but receive an even higher designation - such as the M10, a name which BMW trademarked this year [see list]. An M1 nameplate revival was also rumored earlier this year.

While a BMW supercar may yet come, the rumored Z2 roadster is reportedly stillborn, at least in RWD form. CEO Reithofer reportedly nixed the return of a compact RWD roadster because the numbers did not work out. If a compact roadster returns at some point in the future, it will be built on a FWD platform which it will share with the MINI convertible.

* The image used for illustration above is an artist's render only and is not based on any particular rumors or clues as to what an M8/M10 successor may resemble.

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