BMW M1 -- Baby M 1-series car is coming!

[BForbes]

As reported on 1addicts homepage.



from: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...Series/244598/:

BMW is looking at a new M model below the M3, according to highly placed sources from inside the firm’s M division, who suggest the new car has been favoured over a BMW supercar.

Based on the next-gen 1-series, the new car will be designed to introduce younger customers to new M cars. It would compete with cars such as the next-generation Audi S3, with pricing starting at around £32,000.

“We’re conscious that our existing customers are gravitating towards larger and more expensive models such as the X5/X6 M,” said an M division source. “We’re looking at ways to attract new customers to the brand, and an entry-level model is part of those plans.”

Among the new car’s biggest backers is newly installed BMW M division boss Kay Segler. The former head of brand management at Mini, he has experience with fast, compact two-doors: he oversaw the introduction of the Mini Cooper S and Cooper S Works.

Asked whether BMW’s M division was considering producing a sports car to go up against the Audi R8, Mercedes SLS and Porsche’s 911 Turbo, Autocar’s source said, “Such a project would fit nicely with our operations and would be greatly accepted by the engineers. But the priority right now is a more affordable model underneath the M3.”

The car is likely to be based on the next 135i, meaning it will use a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six producing around 330bhp. And BMW may well revive the M1 badge for the car.

NEWEST INFO AS OF DECEMBER 7, 2009

http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/24...he_bmw_m1.html

Return of the BMW M1
The BMW M1 name returns, but will it appear on a hot 1-series or a new supercar?

BMW has confirmed it is to build an M1 – although the badge could be worn by one of two models currently under development. First up is a baby M-car, but many within BMW would love the name to appear on the rump of an Mercedes SLS AMG-rivalling supercar instead.

M Division’s priority is a sub-M3 model based on the 1-series and using a heavily-tweaked version of the 135i’s twin-turbo straight-six producing around 400bhp and 370lb ft of torque. This will be mated to the new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox and is likely to drive the rear wheels through the M3’s trick differential.

Well-placed BMW sources predict that other M-car features are likely, including the M3’s complete suspension, while to further boost its cred the engineers are working to remove 70kg from the 135i’s pudgy 1485kg kerb weight.

Visually, expect the little M to be closely based on the Tii concept car BMW displayed at the 2007 Tokyo motor show, with enlarged front air intakes and a less subtle bootlid lip.

Expect the new model to go on sale as soon as early 2011. As for the price, our source added: ‘If you look at M3 and 135i, there’s a lot of space for pricing. We’re thinking about half way between them.’

The trickiest decision could be on the name, though. We understand that BMW’s ‘old guard’ have problems with a 1-series wearing the M1 badge because of the original they developed in the 1970s. They would prefer the name to be held back until the arrival of a latter-day replacement for the 1978 mid-engined supercar, and that’s a project that M Division is now actively working on. See the M1 Homage concept here.

In a sharp departure from the past, it is believed that this new supercar, due in late 2012, will use both electric and high-revving petrol motors to achieve sub-4sec 0-60mph performance. The drivetrain is said to take lessons from the Vision EfficientDynamics hybrid (above) revealed at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, mating BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 with twin electric motors. The new car would use this system to provide added boost at low rpm before swinging across to petrol power at higher revs, much like the X6 ActiveHybrid does.

‘M Division should have its own supercar built in three years,’ a senior BMW source said, ‘but we need to sell some cars first. That’s why the 1-series M-car is the higher priority.’

[zuggerat89]

cool... now gimme gimme!

[jrougeux]

I would love to see a 1-series version of the M car. That should sell very well for the brand and would be a blast to drive and mod.

[and 1]

i bet this car will be FIERCE at autocross! let the saving begin

[KingOfJericho]

Highly doubt they'll revive the M1 moniker.

[cagekicker]

great news!

[tpipta]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Highly doubt they'll revive the M1 moniker.

Agreed.

[escobar929]

would be sweet

[oasis3582]

Guessing they'll call it the 1XX ///M like the SUVs are called now. As others have said, not the M1.

[M3roar]

Id be in for this... just please get rid of the big eye headlights. I love the car as it is now too but the headlights takes some getting used to. I only have one wish for the M 1series. That they make it with the original e30 M3 in mind. Slight widebody, light and aggresive.

[d3l0n]

so no z4 M, hello ///M1?

[M3R1]

If they build this I will buy it!

[jrougeux]

Originally Posted by M3roar

Id be in for this... just please get rid of the big eye headlights. I love the car as it is now too but the headlights takes some getting used to. I only have one wish for the M 1series. That they make it with the original e30 M3 in mind. Slight widebody, light and aggresive.

Maybe with a 4-cyl turbo like the E30 m3? That would be a great way to lighten up the car and would be great to toss around.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by M3R1

If they build this I will buy it!

Me too!

[Terp1]

Keeping fingers and toes crossed for this to happen!

[adam135aoc]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Highly doubt they'll revive the M1 moniker.

agree too!
they wont call it an M1 they'll have to use something else

[Feyd]

I heard the z4M is dead... and that they were considering taking the moniker from it and calling this new car the "M Coupe" instead.

Besides with a loaded Z4 just a few tiks under $70,000 a Z4M would have to be 80,000+ which is way too damn much money for that car. I'b buy a 911 before I'd spend that much on a Z4.

[123D-M]

Very likely it will be a 4 cylinder turbo. I'm excited. A lighter, more powerful 1 coupe can't be a bad thing.

Not likely till 2014 though....

http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...ies/index.html

[Imola.ZHP]

Build me a next-gen 1er sedan M please...

[BForbes]

I'm still a bit confused on this. I dont think it would have a TT6. The next gen M3 is suppose to have a Force Induced 6.

[Hind]

I would be interested to see how they can market a already smaller/lighter coupe (135), and then make it quicker and maybe more track ready, and run it up with the current M3.

Volkswagen had this problem a while ago with their GTI's; there was a 1.8 turbo and a small NA 6cyl. Very close in almost every way - was a big price difference for the vr6 engine. But with a chip, the 1.8t was faster. Hope this wont hurt the M3 sales. But def a "M1" would be kick ass!

[Evice]

Is there a car out there with 4cylinder and turbo(s) beyond 300 hp 300 tq ? if they make it less powerful, it would be a pointless car. Unless this engine will have super big displacement...