Bob, nice to have you here. As a lifelong BMW fan and a proud owner of BMW racing team 'Studie', what does BMW M mean to you on a personal and emotional level?
BMW is more than just a car brand to me - it's a way of life. BMW M, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. It's not just a machine; it's a part of my family. To me, BMW M cars represent my parents, my son, my wife, and even my closest friend. Each drive feels like I'm surrounded by the people I love, making every journey deeply personal and incredibly meaningful.
As the ultimate driving machine, BMW M has always been synonymous with performance and sheer driving pleasure. Why do you think the brand retains the spirit and thrill that enthusiasts love?
The essence of BMW M lies in its destiny. If that were ever to fade, BMW M would lose what makes it truly unique. It's this profound understanding of their purpose and identity that sets BMW M apart. They know better than anyone that maintaining this spirit is crucial, because it's not just about the car - it's about preserving the legacy and passion that define BMW M. Without that, it simply wouldn’t be the same.
How do you see BMW M's motorsports heritage influencing its road cars?
The influence of BMW M's motorsports heritage on its road cars is profound and undeniable. The connection between the two is seamless, almost instinctive. When you drive a BMW M road car, you can feel the lineage of racing excellence in every turn and acceleration. There's a unity between the racetrack and the open road that transcends any technical differences. It’s as if they exist on the same continuum, perfectly aligned, with no sense of discrepancy. This deep-rooted synergy is what makes BMW M vehicles so extraordinary.
How have Japanese cars influenced your own approach to modifying and customising your BMWs?
Japanese cars have played an interesting role in shaping my approach to modifying and customising BMWs. I think part of it comes down to the accessibility and affordability of Japanese sports cars, which many enthusiasts, including myself, grew up driving. It's inspiring to see so many people who started with those cars now fulfilling their dream of owning and personalising a BMW. The passion for customisation is strong, and while the internet provides a vibrant community for sharing ideas, nothing compares to real-life experience. The sound of the engine, the nuances of the exhaust, and the dynamic visuals can only truly be appreciated in person. That's why meet-ups and car gatherings are so important - they allow us to connect with the cars and each other in a way that goes beyond the screen.
Can you describe the atmosphere and what makes these gatherings so special?
The atmosphere at these gatherings is truly something special. There's a unique sense of community that I believe is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Even when people who have never met before come together, there's a mutual respect that sets the tone. Most attendees are not only respectful of one another but also genuinely interested in and appreciative of different car brands. It's this shared enthusiasm and open-mindedness that make these events so enjoyable. With the rise of social media, these gatherings have become even more popular, as word spreads and more people are drawn to the inclusive and respectful environment. It's a place where car lovers can connect, share their passion, and learn from each other in a welcoming and supportive setting.
Out of all the BMW M cars you've owned or driven, which one holds a special place in your heart and why?
Without a doubt, the BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution holds a special place in my heart. It was an exceptional machine, known for its razor-sharp precision and exhilarating performance. I had the pleasure of tuning it with AC Schnitzer parts and BMW M Motorsport components, which further enhanced its already remarkable handling and responsiveness. This car was not just a driving experience; it was a true masterpiece of engineering. Although I eventually sold it to progress to the next chapter in my journey, I still look back with a tinge of regret.
The BMW 3.0 CSL is an iconic model with a rich history. What is it like to own and street drive such a legendary car?
Owning and driving a legendary car like the BMW 3.0 CSL is an incredible experience, but it does come with its share of apprehensions. I must admit, there's always a bit of anxiety in the back of my mind - worrying about potential scratches or the possibility of other cars causing damage. Despite these concerns, the thrill of driving such an iconic vehicle is unparalleled. A standout moment for me was a 1000-kilometer highway drive from Tokyo to Kyushu. It was a brain-melting experience, both in terms of the sheer joy of driving and the car’s exceptional performance. The 3.0 CSL’s balance at high speeds is nothing short of superb.
Japan is known for its scenic driving roads. Do you have a favorite route you enjoy driving your custom BMWs on?
One of my absolute favourite routes for driving my custom BMWs is the Hakone Turnpike. It's a truly exhilarating drive that I find perfectly suited for my cars. The road offers 13 kilometres of beautifully winding curves, coupled with an impressive 981 meters of elevation change. The experience reminds me of my first drive on the Nürburgring Nordschleife - it felt remarkably similar in terms of the challenge and thrill.
What inspired your passion for European BMW M cars amidst such a storied local car culture?
My passion for European BMW M cars, even within the rich tapestry of our local car culture, was sparked by a moment I'll never forget. The first time I drove a BMW, I was 19 years old, behind the wheel of an E21 320i. That experience was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. The car responded to my every movement with precision and immediacy, almost as if it were an extension of myself. There was nothing exaggerated or lacking - just pure, balanced performance. This characteristic is something truly unique to BMW and has continued to captivate me ever since. It's a quality that has even been carried over to MINI within the same group, embodying that same responsive and engaging driving experience. From that first drive, I knew there was something special about BMW, and that feeling has only deepened over time.
In Japan, BMW has a unique and passionate following. How do you perceive the car culture in Japan compared to other parts of the world?
In Japan, BMW enjoys a unique and deeply passionate following, which I believe stems from the alignment between the brand's values and the Japanese temperament. BMW is known for its serious commitment to engineering excellence and craftsmanship, qualities that resonate strongly with the Japanese appreciation for meticulous attention to detail and precision.
The Japanese car culture places a high value on craftsmanship, and BMW's dedication to creating high-quality, finely-tuned vehicles complements this perfectly. The brand's focus on performance, design, and engineering excellence matches the Japanese ethos of respecting and perfecting the art of creation. This synergy is what makes BMW such a good fit for the Japanese market, where there is a profound respect for both the art of driving and the art of building.
Studie AG is an incredible workshop space. Why is the experience a customer has while visiting your studio so important?
At Studie AG, we believe that the customer experience extends far beyond just working with hard parts or technical modifications. It's about fostering a deep connection between our clients and their vehicles. We understand that enthusiasts come to us not just to enhance their BMWs, but to truly personalise and elevate their driving experience. Recently, for example, we've seen a growing interest in seemingly small details like anti-smudge films for touch displays. This may seem minor, but it reflects a broader desire from our customers to make every aspect of their BMW uniquely their own.
How long did it take from your start in motorsport to leading your own team, BMW M Team Studie?
It took six years from my start in motorsport to leading my own team, BMW M Team Studie. The journey was intense and rewarding. After winning my first championship in Super GT, BMW M headquarters took notice and approached me for a collaboration. That was a pivotal moment, and just three years later, we achieved official team status. It was a rapid ascent, but one built on hard work, passion, and the shared vision of pushing BMW M to new heights in motorsport.
As someone who has inspired many through my own journey with BMW, how do you think BMW M will excite and inspire the next generation of enthusiasts and racers?
As someone who has been deeply involved with BMW and inspired many through my journey, I’m excited about how BMW M will continue to captivate and motivate the next generation of enthusiasts and racers. With the advent of hybrid M models, it's clear that BMW is poised to embrace new technologies and innovations. I believe that the introduction of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is an inevitable next step, and it will be fascinating to see how BMW M adapts to this new era.
The challenge - and the opportunity - will be in how BMW M continues to embody its core values of performance and driving pleasure while integrating these advanced technologies. We can look forward to new ways to customize and enhance these vehicles, just as we have with traditional models. BMW M's commitment to excellence and driving dynamics ensures that, regardless of technological advancements, every BMW M will remain a thrilling and enjoyable experience.
Ultimately, as long as BMW M stays true to its heritage of providing an exhilarating driving experience, it will continue to inspire and excite enthusiasts. The brand's dedication to innovation and performance means that every new model, whether hybrid, BEV, or otherwise, will offer something special for drivers who crave that unique blend of power and precision.
Looking towards the future, how do you envision BMW M maintaining its legendary status in the era of electric and autonomous vehicles?
As we look towards the future, I believe BMW M is exceptionally well-positioned to maintain its legendary status even as the automotive landscape evolves with electric and autonomous vehicles. BMW's forward-thinking approach - encompassing internal combustion engines (ICEs), hybrids, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and even hydrogen technology - demonstrates their commitment to innovation while staying true to their performance roots.
Over the coming decades, the focus may shift, but BMW M's adaptability and dedication to driving excellence will remain constant. At Studie AG, we're fully engaged in this transition, continuously working to ensure that we can meet the demands and preferences of the next generation of enthusiasts. Whether it’s refining the driving dynamics of a hybrid, enhancing the performance of an electric model, or exploring new technologies, our goal is to stay ahead of the curve and offer solutions that resonate with BMW M’s high standards.
No matter which direction the industry takes, BMW M’s legendary status will be upheld by its unwavering commitment to delivering an exhilarating driving experience. As technology advances, BMW M will continue to innovate, ensuring that the thrill of driving remains at the heart of the brand’s legacy.
