BMW has officially confirmed the launch of the 1-series M Coupe, a car it hopes will be a spiritual successor to the original E30 BMW M3.
BMW M division boss Kay Segler said it was “an urgent goal” to create a “small, affordable M model in the tradition of the very first BMW M3”.
See Autocar's rendering of the BMW 1-series M coupe, plus spy pics of the car in testing
When asked in an official BMW interview why there was no model in BMW’s range to match the original M3, Segler said: “All models grow, have more equipment features and options which can be freely choosen.
“Ultimately this is reflected in the vehicle dimensions, weight and price, too. This is why it is one of my most urgent goals to offer a small, affordable M model in the tradition of the very first BMW M3.
“This model will be based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé and also be focused on the essentials - the fascination of driving. And it will reflect a love of detail, too.”
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Segler confirmed the car would not be called M1 and would follow the lead of the X5 and X6 M models by using the M badge at the end of the car’s name.
BMW will reveal the car “before Christmas”, although a Paris motor show launch is likely to come too soon in September. The first examples will be delivered to customers in the first half of 2011, Segler confirmed.
He also said a new BMW M5 would be launched in the second half of 2011 and it will be a powered by the twin-turbo B8 taken from the X5 and X6 M models.
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Re: BMW 1-series M confirmed
Why won't it be called the M1? instead following the nomenclature given to cars like X5M, X6M. Are we to deduce that BMW UK are sick of Motorway referencing jokes? What happens now to the M3 and M5 for instance? Could we have the very sticky 3M scotch tape edition perhaps?
Re: BMW 1-series M confirmed
So true. As my BMW driving father in law says "I don't need indicators, I know where I'm going".
Re: BMW 1-series M confirmed
I wonder if this will be the first car that BMW will include indicators on?...