BMW M1 spotted during cold weather testing (and official teaser images)

[southlight]

As reported on 1addicts Homepage.

Car Magazine has published pictures of the M1 undergoing cold weather testing in Scandinavia.

[UPDATE: Video added]
[UPDATE 2: Engine information from SCOTT26 added]
[UPDATE 3: M1 teaser images added directly below]
[UPDATE 4: More information from SCOTT26, including schedule, added]







Spy Pictures




[source: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...e-2012-scooped]

Video: http://link.brightcove.com/services/...id=62116372001


While the guys at Car Magazine are assuming that this is a mule for the next gen 1-series coupe (F2x), it's safe to say this actually is an M1 prototype. Why? The very same car was spotted around the BMW M headquarter in Garching (near Munich) before: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311113

Scott gave some details on the motor away:

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The M1 will not feature a V8 that remains exclusive to the M3.

The engine is based on the updated N55 Six cylinder but reconfigured by the M Division. to accomodate Twin-Turbo and a high performance intercooler.

PS Output is at 345PS again not to tread on the toes of the M3.

The M1 will be unveiled in a unique matte finish, after being tested with many different matte finishes (sepang bronze, white, etc.). Colors options will be plentiful, from the current M colors to updates of past M colors, and even an Inka Orange color (from the 2002).

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

It's a post picture which I have overdrawn using Maya software intentionally to keep the car hidden for now.
But the German automedia should be bringing the car in full rendered glory very soon indeed.

What is not seen is the attention to detail regarding aerodynamics. above the brake intake ducts there is a slight lip spoiler which in the design wraps around the intakes. The front wings are a few milimeters wider and are constructed from composite plastic. There is another Weight saving feature showcased before that will be inherited on the GTS variant. But not on this car.

The focus for this car is simply to bring out an exciting small compact M model which will have the dynamics and the cost to embaress cars that cost twice or three times as much. As it stands now it is still undergoing development so what I have seen it do @ BMW's German Test track is not the full picture, but it is fast and looks great. Image is equally important because there is some nostalgia injected especially in the use of color and interior details and materials.

Unfortunately we cannot replicate the overall project as was the E30 M3. This is not possible because of safety requirements and other regulations have made this today nigh on impossible. What we can do is try to replicate the feel and focus the E30 delivered on the road and track, from what I have learned is that the car is not just an faster 135i although the 135i is a very good car to begin with particular attention is being taken especially to the mechanical set-up and the steering.

As of where things are going the "production" car will likely debut towards the end of 2010 with a debut more than likely @ Detroit 2011 because the largest M market is the US , With European sales commencing in the Spring and the US in early Summer 2011. Clearing the decks for the new M5@ Geneva.

Best regards,
south

[BrokenVert]

Im excited now...

[JasonCSU]

[jeremyc74]

Good to see it's out and about, but there's not much to be learned from those pictures.

I'm a little surprised to see it doesn't seem to have dual exhaust at this point. Of course, this is an early mule, and that would have been an obvious tip-off when it was spotted earlier, so maybe it's still coming.

[M2]

Even though this is a mule, there is no 3rd tail light on the trunk lid? Maybe they gave up on that since the damn thing is always cracking... I am going in to the shop on Monday since mine is cracked for a second time... Grrrrrrrr.

[amdmaxx]

are there quad exhausts in last pic?

[Xyloft]

Originally Posted by M2

Even though this is a mule, there is no 3rd tail light on the trunk lid?

two words: STI Spoiler. lol

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by M2

Even though this is a mule, there is no 3rd tail light on the trunk lid? Maybe they gave up on that since the damn thing is always cracking... I am going in to the shop on Monday since mine is cracked for a second time... Grrrrrrrr.

Lets hope so!

[sootyvrs]

This looks like the same car posted here -

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311113

[southlight]

Originally Posted by sootyvrs

This looks like the same car posted here -

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311113

My words exactly.


Best regards,
south

[billy_esp]

it looks great to drive :P little powerful machine

[SCOTT26]

JOY IS INDULGENCE...

It's not the next generation coupe. As you have seen this car before.
A full comprehensive update on the BMW M1 Coupe is coming soon.

"The M1 will be the car that you have to have. A little piece of indulgence all to your own."

Does a Wider Track , Unique M : mDrive differential , and 345 PS Sound enticing?

[leeor]

what will bmw choose z4m, or m1... or both?

too close of a price range

but cant wait, hope m1 comes out for real

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by M2

Even though this is a mule, there is no 3rd tail light on the trunk lid? Maybe they gave up on that since the damn thing is always cracking... I am going in to the shop on Monday since mine is cracked for a second time... Grrrrrrrr.

There is a 3rd light there...look when the car is stopped behind all the other 1 series.

[MadMan77]

Originally Posted by southlight

My words exactly.


Best regards,
south

The license plate matches as well.

[Green///Hell]

Starting to feel rather promising. Maybe I'll pick one up to daily and make my M3 less streetable
Didn't realize until now those GTS wheels are on this car too

[TunedM2C]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

JOY IS INDULGENCE...

Does a Wider Track , Unique M : mDrive differential , and 345 PS Sound enticing?

Um...yes. Any other teases you can divulge? Are they truly going with the M1 name?

[M2]

Originally Posted by mtla4

There is a 3rd light there...look when the car is stopped behind all the other 1 series.

I was going by this pic. Where the snow is on the trunk lid, by the roundel; it doesn't look like there is a recessed crease where the tail light frame should be. But I do see the tail light on the pic you were referring to. Oh well, so much for wishful thinking...

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

JOY IS INDULGENCE...

It's not the next generation coupe. As you have seen this car before.
A full comprehensive update on the BMW M1 Coupe is coming soon.

"The M1 will be the car that you have to have. A little piece of indulgence all to your own."

Does a Wider Track , Unique M : mDrive differential , and 345 PS Sound enticing?

You always give good details Scott.

Can't wait for the full update.....any idea on how soon you mean by soon?

[vogelfanger]

It doesn't have the side grill found on ///M cars.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by vogelfanger

It doesn't have the side grill found on ///M cars.

Its a test mule. Its M1 underneath the std 135i body (except for the fenders).

[Bimmerboy888]

Oh my! I'm excited!!