Quote:
Originally Posted by SCOTT26
Since it is currently undergoing development all I can answer is that it will have it's own character. It will have advantages as well as disadvantages from the M3 because no M car is the same.
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I agree, the M3 has long been the "track star" M model.
Don't think BMW wants to sacrifice that status on the base model M.
The M1 will do great on the track no doubt, but will probably be "funner" to drive in day to day public road scenarios where the M3's absence of low end torque makes it feel a bit weak below 4000 rpms and in need of revving too much (often the sole complaint of past and current M3's).
The M1 will nicely fill the gap between the day to day driving torque and fun of the 135i and the track abilities of the M3. But being an M, it will most certainly lean more towards the abilities of the M3 than the 135i. You won't sacrifice daily driveability or track abilities, if they are making it as I'm speculating it's target to be.
As for torque, if it has 345 hp, I'm guessing torque will be within 10-15 ft-lbs of that figure too. It has to be high enough above the 300 ft-lbs range to separate it from the 135i's regular N55, but not too much to make it difficult to keep the rear end in line.