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Car companies may need to start curbing model proliferation

Looking at the current automotive landscape, especially from German makers, you quickly get the impression that less definitely isn't more. BMW alone offers its 3 Series platform in practically every segment possible, including the regular sedan and 4 Series Gran Coupe, which would seem to be direct competitors. Porsche might be the winner, though, with 20 different variants of the 911 listed for sale on its US website. However, some of this model madness might be reaching an end as companies begin cutting back spending or shifting money to other priorities.
According to Yahoo Finance, the offerings from the German automakers are up 25 percent over the past three years to over 200 models in Europe. The peak is expected to come around 2018 at 230 separate vehicles, according to consulting company PwC.
Amazingly, BMW, which is among the poster children for this model explosion, might be changing its tune. "I'm sure there will be points in the future where we look at certain cars and say, 'Maybe we need to think differently now,'" said head of sales Ian Robertson in an interview, according to Yahoo Finance. The statement certainly sounds shocking coming from a company rumored to have 23 front-wheel-drive vehicles all using a single platform on the way.

Hands-on with BMW's Open Mobility Cloud at CES

BMW had a bevy of cutting-edge technology ready for the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show that ran the gamut from a laser headlight for motorcycles to replacing the mirrors on an i8 with rear-facing cameras. The German automaker's most potentially life-changing (or most creepy, depending on your attitude) concept was the Open Mobility Cloud that aimed to connect the vehicle with a person's daily agenda, sort of like the way many folks use their smartphones. The tech includes a sci-fi piece of furniture called the Mobility Mirror that looks straight out of Star Trek. The pane of glass displays everywhere a person needs to go during the day, offers appointment reminders, and tracks vehicle charging. It even sends an autonomous car out of the garage when the owner picks up the key to leave the house. Get a better look at this cutting-edge connection between the home and the automobile from Autoblog editor-in-chief Michael Austin, direct from CES.

BMW Competition Edition: 'ultimate version' of M5

BMW isn't waiting to see how much power the upcoming Mercedes-AMG E63 will have and is firmly placing itself at the top of the performance list with a new edition of the M5. BMW claims the M5 Competition Edition is the ultimate version of the sedan and will be limited to 200 models. BMW has confirmed that the vehicle will only be sold in Europe, which makes sense as the automaker just announced a US-only edition. The Competition Edition utilizes the same platform as the M5 with the Competition Package. The M5's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 receives an updated ECU and an increase in boost pressure for 40 more horsepower and 16 pound-feet of torque. The special edition now puts out 600 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. With the M dual-clutch transmission as standard, the sedan takes 3.9 seconds to get to 62 mph from a standstill. The M5 Competition Edition also benefits from all of the go-fast goodies found in the Competition Package, which include: a recalibrated differential, special steering calibration, a reprogrammed M chassis control system, and an upgraded and lowered suspension. The limited-edition model will be finished in two body colors, Carbon Black and Mineral White, both of which are metallic, while the exterior is adorned with carbon fiber. The rear diffuser, spoiler, and mirror caps are all finished in carbon fiber, with the kidney grilles and side gills wear a "M5 Competition" badge. A unique set of black wheels wrapped in performance tires rounds out the exterior touches. On the inside, the M5 Competition Edition is finished in Merino Black leather with contrast stitching in Opal White. Even the floor mats, which are black, have Merino Opal White bordering. "///M5" is prominently embroidered on the performance seats' headrests, while the carbon-fiber interior trim bears a plaque (one to 200) to indicate the vehicle's limited quantity. All of the special editions will come with a Bang & Olufsen stereo system in addition to a host of high-tech features. The M5 Competition Edition is currently available for approximately $142,696 or roughly $42,000 over a M5 with the Competition Package. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 BMW M5 Competition Edition News Source: BMWImage Credit: BMW BMW Special and Limited Editions Performance Sedan limited edition