[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by Mr.Metak2you

That render looks like a 3rd grader drew it.

I done it in under a few minutes standing in front of the Java Green Study

Scott. When are we suppose to be seeing the X3M? In 2014?

The current strategy has denied the X3, M treatment, but as shown with the X5M. BMW had initially M sights on the X6 but the X5 with it sharing a lot with the X6 seemed too great an opportunity to pass up.
X3 again donates life to the X4 so the potential for two models is not only greater but entirely feasable. Watch this space.

[wakedaze]

Can BMW dilute the brand any more? BMW is starting to look like the German Toyota.

[ATX78703]

I think this is great news and look fwd to macan vs. x4 matchups, from entry-level to top end. Of course, this is all 3 years away, so who knows what actually is going to happen.

[kozzi]

I think this is great news as well. It is refreshing to see BMW pushing forward with a competitive edge.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...acan-spy-video

Sorry if this video is a repost but BMW knows exactly what they are doing. I will be first in line for a X3M or a X4M.

[Vertigo//SD]

Smaller is better... X1 ///M

[DASHOCKER]

bmw is on fire with the product!

[epiphone3]

I find it funny that there is no discussion of the Cayenne competing with the X5 even though they are clearly closer in type than the Cayenne and the X6. Same is true from the spy shots I have seen of the Macan when comparing to the X3 or X4. Seems like the Macan will compete against the X3 more than an X4.

[Diver]

This sounds like a tasty dish indeed. I like the reduction in vehicle height of 4 cm. My thinking on the revised M version N55 is 3.0 L, a larger twin scroll turbo, electric supercharger and 2 bar of boost. I believe the revised valve gear will be a cylinder shut down similar to that used on the Chrysler Hemi. Just my wild guesses.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by epiphone3

I find it funny that there is no discussion of the Cayenne competing with the X5 even though they are clearly closer in type than the Cayenne and the X6. Same is true from the spy shots I have seen of the Macan when comparing to the X3 or X4. Seems like the Macan will compete against the X3 more than an X4.

Cayenne = X5, you are right about that. Porsche does not have a competitor to the X6.

However,
Macan = X4
Audi Q5 = X3

There is going to be extensive part sharing between the q5 and macan, so the macan will be more "coupe" focused styling and performance oriented, while the q5 will have more usable storage space and traditional greenhouse styling. Porsche will bring hi-po engine options to the macan, while q5 will get more TDI and hybrid. Expect X3, X4 to follow suit with a diesel X3 and maybe an M35i/M40i version of the X3, but a full blown X4M to compete with the macan turbo.

[vladberca]

Awesome news
Great engines will follow. M Performance becomes a real alternative, no run flats too for these models.
Perfect stategy from BMW, an impressive battle with Porsche.
X6 and X4 are more dynamic than their brothers X5 and X3 so this is the reason to put them against Porsche

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by wakedaze

Can BMW dilute the brand any more? BMW is starting to look like the German Toyota.

Weak sauce my friend.
Try again. BMW is redefining the brand. Look at the competition. The M division is continuing to turn out vehicles that are truly unique performance machines that any true bimmerphile can appreciate.

[ATX78703]

Not to mention there are rumors of the macan and X4 coming in 2 door body styles, ala RR Evoque...

[vladberca]

M340i checkmate to S4

[mkoesel]

Thanks for the info SCOTT.

I have to say that 400hp sounds surprisingly high for an M Performance version of the N55. If they are really going to get that much power from it, then I have to believe the "S55" will be pushing more than 450hp. In fact, closer to 485hp or so would make more sense. Although we have heard rumors for some time of the N55's successor making 400hp+, so maybe that is what this new M Performance engine will be based upon. Either way, it still seems too close to the M engine.

[car_fan]

Originally Posted by Zebra99

CF roof....wooooooo!

All you need now is a nice carbon hood/trunk and you're balling.
It would be amazing too to see it sub 4.5s, 0-62.

Shouldn't be to hard to achieve. Current X3 35i is rated at 5.5. 0-60...

[bunker]

need X4.5 M Vert to compete with rice'd-up Nissan Murano Vert.

LMFAO

[Beyu]

Is the Porsche Macan really going to be that large? The X3 and X5 are pretty close in size except for overall length. I thought the Macan was suppose to be similar in size to the Evoque.

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Thanks for the info SCOTT.

I have to say that 400hp sounds surprisingly high for an M Performance version of the N55. If they are really going to get that much power from it, then I have to believe the "S55" will be pushing more than 450hp. In fact, closer to 485hp or so would make more sense. Although we have heard rumors for some time of the N55's successor making 400hp+, so maybe that is what this new M Performance engine will be based upon. Either way, it still seems too close to the M engine.

I meant to put that 400HP is the ceiling for the M.Performance line so expect power under that 400HP limit. The Zagato Concept utilises a tuned N55 to which you can expect a similar variant.
One such concept is the new BMW V8 which takes us up to that 450 hp ceiling - It is not an M version but it does display its own attributes in performance. An M always goes to great lengths to distinguish the details so no two engines are ever the same even though they are closely linked.

Not to mention there are rumors of the macan and X4 coming in 2 door body styles, ala RR Evoque...

As far as the X4 is concerned, marketing have decided the car will have to be a five dr in order to have global appeal. I believe Porsche have decided the same.

I find it funny that there is no discussion of the Cayenne competing with the X5 even though they are clearly closer in type than the Cayenne and the X6. Same is true from the spy shots I have seen of the Macan when comparing to the X3 or X4. Seems like the Macan will compete against the X3 more than an X4.

It is known in the industry that due to the success of the BMW X6 especially in important growth markets that Porsche are "looking at" a Cayenne Coupe aswell as a Macan Coupe.
Just as Audi have planned Q4 and Q6 Coupes with Mercedes-Benz recently announcing an MLC. The X4 will allow BMW to again lead the introduction of a mid-sized SAC ahead of the competition.

The X4 will also be available in standard four cylinder and six cylinder diesel and petrol engines giving it credible clout especially in the european market.
Where the entry Macan etc will also get VAG sourced four cylinders making the Macan the actual "entry" Porsche , that Porsche actually wants.

[kozzi]

The Macan is Porsche's answer to the X3 35i. Glad to see BMW will answer right back with a proper M version. Look at the all the competition...This is great news for consumers.

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by kozzi

The Macan is Porsche's answer to the X3 35i. Glad to see BMW will answer right back with a proper M version. Look at the all the competition...This is great news for consumers.

Great for consumers indeed. I'm not the least bit interested in the GLK because of the ugly exterior nor the handling of the Q5 but I'd definitely be interested in the Macan or a X4. Hopefully this isn't like the "confirmed" X3M put out by various news sources that will eventually get disputed by BMW officials.

[Agent11br]

Originally Posted by amg135i

This could be my next car.

+1

Replacing the wife's Grand Cherokee with this would be a no brainer now that seating for 5 is an option.

[dmboone25]

I really like this idea...love the X6, but it is a little big and out of my price range...

In theory, this would be a cheaper, smaller, more nimble alternative. Or as SCOTT put it, an M3 on stilts. I like the idea.

Funny too how he mentioned the "extensively reworked" N55. Amen for that...my N55 135 is running out of steam around 5800ish RPM in most gears...