Shortly after unveiling its CS Concept, BMW announced plans to build a production version code named ‘Gran Turismo.’ But today the automaker announced it has been forced to cancel the project, which was expected to be on sale in the next two years under the 8-Series nameplate.
Speaking at a press conference early Tuesday, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said profitability has to become a new focus at the German automaker in light of declining sales and a global finical downturn.
“The sharper focus on profitability will result, amongst other things, in product decisions being revisited,” said Reithofer. “As a result, the BMW Group will no longer produce a series version of the Concept CS since this vehicle does not meet the internal requirements for rates of return.”
“All our actions are based on careful consideration and foresight. It does not make sense to build up stocks which are bound to reduce our revenues later on,” he said. “We also have a commitment to our dealerships and the well-being of the company.”
The production CS was being worked on exclusively by the company’s M division. A 6.0L V12 based on the M5’s V10 was rumored to be the car’s top engine choice.
Earlier this year, BMW reportedly cancelled plans for a new M1 supercar.
11/04, 3:12 PM
posted by:
ski2xs
Sign of the times. Things are looking dire. Cancel the X6 and build this instead.
11/04, 3:18 PM
posted by:
eliteski2
That’s too bad. We really need to fix this global economy problem, or we’ll keep losing out on great cars like this one. Just like the cancellation of the French Grand Prix, the economic crisis is finally affecting things that really matter.
11/04, 3:20 PM
posted by:
Andre Neves
*Sigh*
This is one of the ugliest concepts i’ve ever seen. Let me guess, Chris Bangle designed it?
11/04, 3:28 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Bavarian Mediocrity Works.
11/04, 3:29 PM
posted by:
rzegatl
Eliteski2 – maybe you are joking, in which case disregard this comment but “the economic crisis is finally affecting things that really matter”? I like cool cars as much as the next fanatic but the crisis started affecting things like people’s jobs, homes and retirements a few months ago and I think they matter more than a concept car.
11/04, 3:46 PM
posted by:
lightning count
super weak..
11/04, 3:58 PM
posted by:
golf4me
IMO, this is the kind of vehicle BMW SHOULD be building, not SUV’s in every size & shape imaginable. THIS is what their brand has stood for for 50 years. Granted the styling could be better but it sure is nicer looking than the horrid X1 and X3! Just wating for the BMW Deathwatch to start up on TTC…
11/04, 4:05 PM
posted by:
Borat
Although it is hard to imagine uglier specimen outside of a thriller flick, I think this type of vehicle would sell, perhaps not this car itself. Richer strata of society is not affected by the crisis and they buy/lease their toys regularly. Financial dilemmas of mortals (working stiffs) does not affect them.
11/04, 4:20 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
what about that concept they made from a large, stretchy german pantyhose designed for Helga? Is that retarded concept going to see the light of day?
11/04, 4:32 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
And Bemmer fan boys across the world are saying…..
WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAA…………….
11/04, 4:33 PM
posted by:
Borat
if it is for Mistress Helga and involves pantyhose, it will see the dark of night, not the light of day.
11/04, 4:40 PM
posted by:
rerone
The CS concept is good looking, but Bimmer’s a bit late to the 4 door coupe market.
11/04, 5:40 PM
posted by:
A4
yay lets build profit boosting sh!t sucking “SAVs” that are hideous and annoying to look at
11/04, 6:09 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Having seen it in person at NYIAS, this car has acres of presence.
A Mercedes CLS, but really-masculine and good-looking
Take this over an X6 every time.
DrFill
11/04, 6:20 PM
posted by:
whips001
word on canceling that garbadge ass X6 and building this thing….too bad now we are stuck with that hideous new 7-series…way to fvck up beemer
11/04, 6:20 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
i cant understand why bmw wouldn’t want to produce this beautiful car. its losing out on a lot imo!
11/04, 6:21 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
yes, i agree. get rid of the ugly looking x6 and make this instead stupid BMW people!
11/04, 7:07 PM
posted by:
DrFill
I was HOPING this would be the next 7
The 7 they made is better, slightly, but still needs a lot of work.
It looks AWFUL with the long wheelbase
DrFill
11/04, 7:30 PM
posted by:
b53491
@ rerone
BMW is hardly too late, this segment is just beginning, the Porsche Panamera, the Lambo Estosque(or whatever) and the Aston Martin Rapide are all arriving in nearly the same scheduled time period. But oh well. I agree, enough with these futile suvs, more CS’ s and M1’s!
11/04, 9:53 PM
posted by:
brocky
did BMW’s balls shrink? Get rid of the 7 series and bring this over. And how in the world can you even compare a X6 to this? Don’t even mention how this should be made instead of the X6. They’re two different classes.
11/04, 10:55 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
yeah but they price around the same when the x6 is fully loaded, so….. DUMP THE FAKE SUV AND TAKE THIS THING ON A DATE!
11/25, 8:34 PM
posted by:
LeftLaneVy
i swear i witnessed the BMW CS on campus at UCLA. maybe someone was test driving it