BMW is planning to bring hybrid technology to its line of M Performance vehicles. This move is going to have its cake and eat it too. Hybrid M sports cars will use less fuel and deliver more performance.

BMW's VP of engineering Dirk Hacker told AutoExpress, "We will look at electrification – I think it could be inevitable – but it depends on the possibility of increasing performance." It is clear that BMW is not going to be sacrificing performance in order to incorporate hybrid technology into their M Performance vehicles.

One particular challenge for BMW is the weight of the batteries. “We’ll need to look at the weight implications of electrification,” he said. “What is the compromise? Are we ready now or do we need to take a look at some special structural solutions for the future?”

The move may also be in reaction to stricter emissions regulations in California, as well as seven other states. That also means that this hybrid proliferation will need to happen relatively quickly -- in the next few years.

BMW prioritizes balance instead of outright power that means that the clock is ticking as BMW tackles the battery weight issue.

Hacker did say that an all-electric M car was not going to happen simply because customers don't want to give up their gas-driven engines.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...rformance.html

While weight is going to be an issue with hybrid systems, weight can be made up easily by the increase in power and how its delivered. Only time we might feel that is in the turns. BUT being BMW, we should expect some nimbleness.

People may change their tune towards an all-electric M car. BMw has proven that it's possible to have power in an electric vehicle with the i8.

At the same time, hybrids will provide more torque, so it isn't worse, it's just different.

Different and even better, especailly during a time when were trying to be more green and consume less while giving people the level of power they want.

Seen something that said we have more vehicles on the road but overall still use less gas than before. Good improvement.