BMW’s M1 has started testing ahead of its launch next year, with this prototype of the hot baby coupé undergoing trials in the firm’s home town, Munich.
The existence of the M1 was revealed by Autocar earlier this year, and now these pictures confirm that the car will be based on the 1-series coupé rather than the hatchback.
The car will use a modified version of the 535i’s 3.0-litre straight-six powerplant, but fitted with two turbochargers instead of one.
Output is expected to be around 350bhp, making the M1 easily the most powerful car in its class, while torque should be raised from the 135i Coupé’s 295lb ft to around 310lb ft.
That grunt, and a relatively modest kerb weight of around 1500kg, should ensure a 0-60mph time of around 5.5sec.
The car’s flared wheel arches, used to accommodate the M1’s wider tracks, are visible in our pictures, along with the modified front bumper with its larger air intakes. However, it doesn’t look like the M1 will inherit the current V8 M3’s bonnet bulge.
The car in our pictures is fitted with very large wheels and tyres — at least 19 inches in diameter — and behind the front wheels is a set of drilled brake discs.
The M1 is part of a drive by BMW’s M division to make its products more accessible and affordable. The performance arm’s boss, Kay Segler, is keen to broaden the brand’s appeal to younger drivers.
“We want to make M young again,” he said “and affordable. My sons would like to have an M, and when they’re 40, not 60. We’re going towards affordability and freshness.”
Seger also told Autocar that the M1 is a clear indicator of where the brand is heading.
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Re: Hot new BMW M1: latest pics
i think this will put BMW in line with all other m-sports - i concur that not to use M1 tag and reserving that for the legend is the best thing to do
The one thing i request on the design is get this BMW out of drag and something which Mc-Bangle created is the headlights and indicators - BMW designers need to make the front look more aggressive like the E30 M3 i.e. equal size twin bezel head lights with bonnet over hang and less pointed indicators with may be the inner inserts in black.
ps. i believe this car may get canned anyway due to demand for this would compromise the 135i sales. Wait and see.
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Re: Hot new BMW M1: latest pics
"Seger also told Autocar that the M1 is a clear indicator of where the brand is heading."
So this is where M is headed.....Does that mean the next M3 is to get a twin-turbo 3 cylinder engine?
Funny how just over 2 and a half years ago when the current M3 was launched the then head claimed that an M car would always be naturally aspirated and high revving. Months later the company signed the go ahead for the X5M, X6M and now it looks as though this will be common recipe for all future M's...ala F10 M5.
And I concur with others here that M1 should be reserved for something really special, not a 'boy-racer' BMW.
Re: Hot new BMW M1: latest pics
And a cabriolet version? The only thing is, my experience with BMWs is that once you've added goodies on then it will be silly money - making a mockery of the claims that it is to be an affordable one. Watch it go into the sort of money for a decent boat!