04-21-2007, 04:33 PM | #1 |
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BMW M1
As we are officially in the approach path of the new BMW 1er Coupe.
There are 4 Core reasons why there is a strategy that exists for a BMW M1 Coupe. One.- With the M3 Coupe now inheriting a V8 and moving up a segment. Their is belief that there is space for a BMW M1 Coupe and the 1er looks set to be the occupant for this vacancy. BMW engineers are in no denial about having something "back to basics" a very hardcore driving experience with a high revving engine sufficient power and astounding dynamics . Two.- With the BMW 1er Coupe being developed for certain key markets such as North America and Canada , BMW need a car with the Halo effect to sell the image of the BMW 1er Coupe. it is no secret that customers begin from the basic models and work themselves to the top of BMW's product list - effectively by having an aspiring model that provides the halo effect to the rest of the range. That is the key to successful marketing - A BMW M car has a very profound effect thanks to it's status , desirability and image on the other models of BMW's model range. A BMW M1 Coupe is entirely essential in order for the 1er to win over the North American and Canadian market and the these markets would certainly require an M model of the BMW 1er coupe. Three.- It is an opportunity far too great to miss. A return to a dynamic , entertaining and fun compact performance car in the vain of the classic E30 M3. All BMW Coupes from the 3er to the 6er have come in an M variant. And plans are much proceeding in the direction for a BMW M1 Coupe. Four . Until the next generation model arrives The M1 Will effectively replace the current Z4M Coupe . By late 2008 the next generation Z4 will be about to enter production for first market North American sales. As a last finale current Z4 M Coupe will receive the V8 engine from the M3 . Until the next Coupe arrives on the market. The M1 will plug the gap until the next generation models arrive more in likely with the BMW M3's V8. One of the earliest strategies was when the V10 was being used to develop the new BMW M3 V8 engine that they considered using the V8 to develop the engine for the M1 Coupe. Unrealistically this would be a V6 but this was quickly dismissed as BMW does not pose a healthy attitude to V6 engines instead enjoying the smooth transition of power you can only get with six-cylinder power. The new engine under development heralds from a new magnesium block evolved from the engine of the previous BMW M3 and the current BMW Z4M Coupe and Roadster. As the engine does not incorporate areas of technology BMW are keen to utilise in their "Efficient Dynamics" programme. Basically it is technology that was not considered when that engine was first conceived in the mid nineties. The Old engine effectively gets a rebuild to utilise modern energy management technology and achieve stringent emission targets. Aswell as a manual to really emphasize the passion of the "drivers M3" The E30 The M1 will also be available with the incoming ZSG gear box technology. The engine output is expected to be around 350 PS - development mules have already hit the streets. Effectively BMW need this car to stabilise the image of the lower Coupe and Cabrio models especially in the North American and Canadian market. The BMW M1 Coupe will certainly inherit some of it's toned looks and technologies seen with the other M cars available and ones around the corner. BMW always stress that it's M Division cars are not just tuned-up performance versions of the top end luxury models. every M car is different from steering to handling to chassis tuning and performance. An Mcar is greater than the sum of it's parts. The BMW M1 will follow these ideals by also offering cutting edge developments such as the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic roof , lightweight body panels and aerodynamic M styling treatment. With styling taking a cue with the new BMW M3 Coupe but with the front appearance becoming more angular with a trapese shape for the central intake. Initially available as only a Coupe and a Convertible BMW are seriously considering throwing the 3dr hatch into the mix - Although if greenlighted this would be for European/Asian markets only. Until such a car as the M1 arrives in the meantime BMW will offer a Ltd edition 135i M-Sport - Confined to only the Coupe and 3dr Hatch only this will be the gap until the M1 comes along. To emphasize the sporting credentials of the Coupe the base petrol model will be the 120 Si using the four cylinder petrol engine that was in the limited edition BMW 320Si WTCC Car. Additionally BMW will eventually offer the BMW/PSA co-operation of the incoming four cylinder Turbo charged model . Although the collaboration has frightened many there is nothing to be apprehensive about - Both companies applie their special requirements and "magic" to their project. With the BMW project promising "best in it's class" credentials - BMW engine development engineers just don't like winning many awards for nothing. The same goes for diesel - Now equally well renowned for their diesel powerplants as well as their petrol powered powerplants BMW will again offer the cream of diesel power including the latest 204HP diesel in the 125d. |
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04-21-2007, 06:13 PM | #2 |
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I am absolutely lost for words. A V8 in a Z4??? HOLY SH*T.
So for the U.S. market, at the launch we should expect a 135i and a 120si? Dosent a 120si have 170hp? The gap between that and the 135i would be outrageous. Personally I dont belive North Americans would pay near 30,000 for a 170hp car. The base model of this car would NEED at least 230hp in my opinion to be competitive. Plus, it would be a great idea to have a diesel version as an option. |
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04-21-2007, 07:18 PM | #3 |
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Since you brought it up, any word on where the ZSG transmission is? I've had my eye on the matter for years, and was all prepared for it for the launch of the E92, and then no-show. Twin clutch transmissions are really spectacular, and coming off nearly 2 decades of driving 3 series with manuals, I can tell you that transmissions like the ZSG or Volkswagen's DSG are simply where the future is at.
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04-22-2007, 09:05 AM | #5 | |
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VERY interesting. A newly updated, lighter M version of a strait six in a 1 coupe! Sounds fantastic. Well, except I won't be able to afford it, but still! |
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04-22-2007, 02:34 PM | #6 | |
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Here is an announcement previously posted on GermanCarZone on 16/03/07.
It gives you all the info in the marketing direction of the 1er Coupe and it's nomenclature. Although the purpose of this text was to be a clandestine announcement of the (then) incoming BMW Concept CS. Quote:
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04-22-2007, 05:19 PM | #9 | |
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Thats what I'm saying But if they wanna do an M, who are we to complain. As sweet as an M would be, I've been reading about the tuning capability of the turbos. SICK is all I have to say. |
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04-22-2007, 06:59 PM | #10 |
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I'll take suspension of M and carbon roof (if its coming) with tuned 3.0TT and be very happy..
Perhaps M sport edition of 135i will do.. I also want to see a diesel hatch 120d in US.. Fuel sipper with utility and BMW name... |
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04-22-2007, 07:05 PM | #11 | |
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what engine do u think should be the base when they launch? |
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04-25-2007, 12:23 PM | #14 |
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Woah that's very convincing.
I can't wait for them to give us an M1. The new M3 will be completely out of my price range, but I think I might be able to swing an M1. Bless you BMW for giving us a baby ///M coupe/convertible. :roundel: I wonder if the current M1 owners however few there are, will be pissed about this :iono: |
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04-25-2007, 01:14 PM | #15 | |
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M3 prices were released in UK
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04-25-2007, 02:03 PM | #17 |
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Sorry but leftlanenews doesn't know an ounce more than what we know here probably. They're not industry insiders at all. It's basically just a blog where they collect auto news stories and buy spy photos and speculate.
That said, from what Scott26 said, I believe there will be an M1. :headbang: |
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04-25-2007, 02:07 PM | #18 | |
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Well excuuuuuuuse me...lol |
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04-25-2007, 04:03 PM | #20 |
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04-30-2007, 05:49 AM | #21 |
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04-30-2007, 06:30 AM | #22 | |
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And, I imagine that BMW is going to start to finalize this info for N/A when the car debuts in Frankfurt. |
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