Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel
A sensible analysis with a bit too alarmist a slant and perhaps too aggressive a timeline.
No doubt some models will be discontinued in the coming years, but I think it's more than safe to say that lower end four seat coupes and convertibles will remain, including performance models like the BMW's M2 and M4, and Mercedes' C63. Likewise, the AMG GT and legitimate near-exotic sports cars from others (such as Porsche for example) will remain.
What will go? Either the SL or SLK probably won't survive, and arguably both could go if they were to expand the AMG GT down market with a six cylinder model. Either the E or S class coupe could also bow out. For BMW the upcoming 8 Series models may already have killed the two-door 6 Series. And BMW's two new yet-to-debut roadsters - the 'Z5' and i8 Spyder? If they don't catch on I could see both not being asked back for a second round.
Audi seems to be in the best spot in this area. TT, A/S/RS5, and R8 all seem like viable products. Maybe the A3/S3 convertible not so much, but the convertible is really the odd man out in that model lineup anyway.
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I think the i8 spyder is going to be an awesome halo car, and the Z5 will be built on the same platform as the toyota supra. Would be curious to see which ones they kill. Maybe the cheaper 2 series but keep the M240i and M2, those resonate with enthusiasts. Maybe also kill the 320i and make the 330i the base model with a base price lower than the 330i currently is but maybe a couple grand more than the 320. Throw in some extras as standard like M-sport package as well to justify the price increase in addition to the added ponies and much quicker 0-60