BMW Working on R8 Rival

The introduction of the R8 was a big step forward for Audi. A mid-engined vehicle that provided a less expensive alternative to the exotics is something pretty revolutionary for the brand. It's amazing that it was approved by the corporate board, which has to make sure there isn't any cannibalization with the other luxury brands in it's stable.

It has proved to be the right call though. No one can doubt the success the car has in generating interest for Audi in demographics across the board. It was a signal of what Audi intended to be in the future. Could fellow German rival BMW be looking to jump into the game as well?

BMW is rumored to be hard at work on a mid-engined competitor for the R8. I think a new M1 could really work, if it took cues from the M1 Homage Concept. I'm not sure what to think of the Auto Express report on the car though.

They are saying it would lead BMW's "green charge," with the car debuting a hybrid-only drivetrain. The system would be the same engine as the one in the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, a 1.5 liter three-cylinder mated to a powerful electric motor.

With a 0-60 second speed under 4 seconds, it certainly would give a new meaning to "green halo." I'm not convinced that BMW is really going to go ahead with producing a mid-engined competitor to the R8 that is hybrid only. We'll see though.

With the LF-A from Lexus on the way (after what seems like forever since we first heard about it) - there could be an emerging battle between the halo vehicles of the mainstream luxury brands. Now all Cadillac needs to do is dust off the Cien Concept to create a competitor of it's own. May the best car win!