Currently reading: Future for manual BMW M cars 'not bright'

New BMW M boss Frank van Meel says automatic transmissions and power outputs capped at 600bhp are the future of the performance brand

BMW's M cars could become automatic only and are unlikely to get more than 600bhp.

BMW M boss Frank van Meel says competition between the DCT dual-clutch and automatic gearboxes is good for the brand and both ’boxes have a future.

However, manual gearboxes could become a thing of the past for M cars because of declining sales figures.

Van Meel said: “From a technical standpoint, the future doesn’t look bright for manual gearboxes. The DCT and auto ’boxes are faster and they have better fuel consumption.

"It’s difficult to say we’ll stick to the manual, but we still have a big fan community for manuals and we are not going to take away something the customer wants to have.”

Van Meel also said 600bhp is the current limit of an M car’s capability. “For now, 600bhp is the most you can get in an M car,” he said.

“We’re at the limit. If you go on adding more horsepower and torque, it’d probably be over the limits.”

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Say goodbye to the manual gearbox

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Cobnapint 6 July 2015

M people

Sure it does. There are loads of BMWs with M badges on our local council estate.....
david RS 6 July 2015

Does M still exist?

Does M still exist?
gigglebug 6 July 2015

One companies loss??

It's hardly surprising news this. If there isn't enough customers buying manual cars to justify any development/manufacturing costs then they are eventually going to be cut. It's a shame for the small minority but it is becoming an increasingly smaller number of people who must have three pedals and a gear stick. Could be seen as good news for smaller manufacturers that are still able offer manuals and less intrusive electrical interference though as they should be able to pick up any disgruntled buyers emigrating from their usual marque's looking for basic thrills which they control themselves