Herbert Diess, head of R&D at BMW, says creating a business plan would make sense if market research and public reaction indicate the car would find 5,000 buyers willing to pay €200,000 for it.
The Speedster Concept, a race-inspired, open-air 2-seater, translates the design and craftsmanship of the iconic ’59 DBR1 into a modern interpretation of open-air motoring.
The auto maker is offering six diesel and four gasoline powerplants for the new 5-Series sedan and touring models, including its M Performance Automobiles sub-brand.
In its first four months on the market, the new sports sedan has been accelerating to a record-setting pace of 6,100 units, and its success is adding to the prestige, credibility and premium image of the Maserati brand.
The car has all the makings of a being a futuristic concept only, with its center driving position, compact size, exotic materials and race-car DNA. But enthusiasts are hoping for a small production run just the same.
The car is spun off the chassis of a V-12 BMW 760iL as a fully functional and street-legal one-off. However, a limited series of custom-built cars may be produced.
Despite reports the PHEV will reach the market before the 2017 target date, the auto maker likely will wait until it gains marketing experience from the planned 2016 launch of its mechanical cousin, the Bentley Falcon...