Best M1 illustration: PURE FIRE!!

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by BForbes

We are seeing what Scott was talking about. The bumper would give it a more sunk-in appearance. Just like it does on the E92 M3. It does just that. We will have to wait to see it in person as modern BMW's do not photograph well.

Good point, I bet that's what he meant.

When I look at the rendering now, the headlights arent the first thing to catch my eye - It's those ginormous fenders!!!!

[ideas82]

Seriously! This rendering is just ridiculous. Standing ovation is deserved for this pic.

I might have to get this vehicle.

e46 M3 or this? any suggestions?

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by ArmyBimmerDude

Depends on what your definition of "better car" is. Faster straight-line? I doubt that. On the track? Perhaps. Better mpg? Definitely(M3's a gas-guzzling porker).

Well I doubt anyone who buys an M over the standard variant cares too much about MPG. It's all about performance. And yes, I'm talking about both in a straight line and on the track. I'd expect the M1 to be on par, if not better in both areas considering it's a new model and the E92 M3 is really at the end of it's life. The M3 (E92) will be what, 4-5 years old by the time the M1 is produced?

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Well I doubt anyone who buys an M over the standard variant cares too much about MPG. It's all about performance. And yes, I'm talking about both in a straight line and on the track. I'd expect the M1 to be on par, if not better in both areas considering it's a new model and the E92 M3 is really at the end of it's life. The M3 (E92) will be what, 4-5 years old by the time the M1 is produced?

It wouldn't be very smart from a marketing standpoint for BMW to offer two vehicles with similar performance for different amounts of money, especially two vehicles where performance is one of the key design goals.

It will be slightly slower than an M3 in the same way that an M3 is slower than an M6, the M3 is the more fun car to drive on tight roads and I bet the M1 will be even better in those conditions.

[CarForHire]

I would love an NA I-6 in an M1.

[jabwind51]

Originally Posted by Remonster

It wouldn't be very smart from a marketing standpoint for BMW to offer two vehicles with similar performance for different amounts of money, especially two vehicles where performance is one of the key design goals.

It will be slightly slower than an M3 in the same way that an M3 is slower than an M6, the M3 is the more fun car to drive on tight roads and I bet the M1 will be even better in those conditions.

Right. E46 M3's with 333hp stopped in 2006. The new 300hp n54 bad kid on the block hit the streets in 2007. So BMW did NOT overlap similar performance but lower price in one year.

[Ash83]

Nice...

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by Remonster

It wouldn't be very smart from a marketing standpoint for BMW to offer two vehicles with similar performance for different amounts of money, especially two vehicles where performance is one of the key design goals.

It will be slightly slower than an M3 in the same way that an M3 is slower than an M6, the M3 is the more fun car to drive on tight roads and I bet the M1 will be even better in those conditions.

What you say makes sense but by the time this gets here(mid 2011), the M3 would have been out for 4 years. The new gen M3 would be very close. They are already test mules for the next gen 3series. Think about that. There is nothing wrong with this matching the M3. I'm of the opinion that it will really depend on the transmission. A DCT M1/1M could very well beat a 6MT M3.

Anybody that dosen't think the M1 will be quicker needs to examine the raw data of acceleration times between the two. BMW would really have to neuter this car to keep the M3 faster. It's biggest advantage against the 135i is when you get to 130-150ish. They're going with a stronger more tuned motor so they have no plans to play around.

[Matador]

If they build a true M1 it will be closer to the real spirit of teh M cars and will cannibalize the M3 i dont care about big V8s . A small compact powerful cars that can corner like no equal will be more appreciated

[silverfox]

Stick a twin turbo N55 pushing 400 hp and I will take mine in Lemans Blue

Now just build the dam thing BMW

[CarForHire]

Originally Posted by silverfox

Stick a twin turbo N55 pushing 400 hp and I will take mine in Lemans Blue

Now just build the dam thing BMW

You mean N54?

[jabwind51]

Originally Posted by BForbes

Anybody that dosen't think the M1 will be quicker needs to examine the raw data of acceleration times between the two. BMW would really have to neuter this car to keep the M3 faster. It's biggest advantage against the 135i is when you get to 130-150ish. They're going with a stronger more tuned motor so they have no plans to play around.

I sincerely hope they don't play around. It's easy for things to feel contrived with sales, marketing, competition, future plans, etc...

[moveswiftly]

i wonder if us 135i'ers will be able to retrofit that front bumper <3

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by CarForHire

You mean N54?

Actually I think he means what should be the "S55". N55 engine but tweaked by ///M to run twin turbo (as suggested by Scott26).

[Scorpion]

That looks really nice.

[ArabianSensation]

Personally, I don't care for the basic 1ers, they're alright but not quite there.

This M1 though... is amazing. It is the true successor to the E46 M3. Same thing there; I didn't really think the E46 was all that great. But the E46 M3 is one of my favorite cars ever.

I want one now.

[Sephiroth]

I think this car looks pretty good, is the right size, will likely handle really well and just generally feel good, maybe better than the E46 M3.

But....im still on the fence when i think about the motor. Should i pass up the opportunity to get the last high revving engine from M? Or even an M coupe or another E46 M3?

[CarForHire]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

Actually I think he means what should be the "S55". N55 engine but tweaked by ///M to run twin turbo (as suggested by Scott26).

Oh okay.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by ArabianSensation

Personally, I don't care for the basic 1ers, they're alright but not quite there.

This M1 though... is amazing. It is the true successor to the E46 M3. Same thing there; I didn't really think the E46 was all that great. But the E46 M3 is one of my favorite cars ever.

I want one now.

Are you kidding me? The 135i is a phenomenal car in its own right. The suspension is a bit soft but it has plenty of grip. The acceleration is there as well. Sure it's not as much as a purebred as E46M3 then again neither is E92M3 but the E92M3 is still very capable. You know how absurd your comment is? It's equivalent of saying Porsche Cayman is really not that impressive, the GT is the king of the hill.

[CarForHire]

Originally Posted by 1love

I think this car looks pretty good, is the right size, will likely handle really well and just generally feel good, maybe better than the E46 M3.

But....im still on the fence when i think about the motor. Should i pass up the opportunity to get the last high revving engine from M? Or even an M coupe or another E46 M3?

I love a high revving engine. I'll have to see more of this, but most likely I'm just going to get an M3 in its last production year.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by CarForHire

I love a high revving engine. I'll have to see more of this, but most likely I'm just going to get an M3 in its last production year.

Thats the way im leaning right now too, but i won't buy anything until we know the full details on this new M car. Gotta do this right the first time you know?

[CarForHire]

Originally Posted by 1love

Thats the way im leaning right now too, but i won't buy anything until we know the full details on this new M car. Gotta do this right the first time you know?

Yea, I don't want to miss out on something great. For now, I'll just wait patiently.