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Slippery BMW Insider Spills More Beans: ///M1 Bound for Production After All?

March 12th, 2010 Shawn Molnar No comments

bmw-m1-rendering 1

We’ve all seen the spy-shots of a rumored ///M 1 series car, but speculation around its production is making us sea sick. Of course, as enthusiasts, we hope this car will come to fruition, but we have heard a lot of skepticism around the validity of M1 rumors.

First of all, the current 1 series is late in its life cycle, already providing thrills to the driving public for over 6 years. Would the M division really set about developing an M car from an aging chassis? Typically M needs 3 years to develop a production BMW into an ///M car.

The next nail in the M1’s proverbial coffin was its failure to make an appearance in Geneva. This was a surprise to some and a disappointment to many. Again, the life cycle clock is ticking, so if not in Geneva, then when?

Well, if Scott 27 is to be believed, then here are the answers. The M1 (1 Series M car) is still slated for production and the first official details will be released at the end of this year. As for price, it is rumored to ring in around $10,000 Euros more than the 135i, or around 50 to 60,000 USD or 60 to 70,000 CAD (these figures are extremely flimsy – take with a grain of salt). While the 1 Series is “over the hill,” we will still see an ///M car based upon it – such is the enthusiasm of Dr Kay Segler for an attainable ///M variant. Of benefit to the design team is the long established 1 series platform. Engineering costs will be reduced through heavy modification and retooling of an existing BMW engine (we don’t know which one, but we suspect the N55). With the aforementioned cost reductions, more time and attention will be paid to the balance and handling of the M1. A highly tuned chassis will efficiently transfer power from the engine to the road – it is said that the engineers are working to emulate the best qualities of BMW’s beloved E30 and 2002. The M1 will firmly place below the M3 in terms of its performance envelope and stature, but clearly the bar is set very, very high.

A few months after the M1’s release, we will see a cabriolet version for open-air motoring. The M1 will come equipped with a manual transmission or choice of an M-DCT (notice how I listed these in order of importance). When can you write the check? Official release is expected at the end of this year and global sales should begin mid 2011 with M1s rolling off showroom floors. The M1 should see a two-year production run into 2013 when the next generation 1 Series is revealed. Power figures have taken a bump in the right direction, apparently closer to the 370 hp mark. Further weight reduction is rumored, we can only hope.

Speaking of the next generation 1 Series, Scott 27 goes on to offer more information: the 5 door hatch will premier first followed by the 3 door hatch. The coupe and cabrio will follow with production starting in 2013. Really hope the Mayans were wrong about that calendar.

[Source: Scott27 for 1Addicts | Rendering by Roger Ligtheness ]


Rendering: BMW M1

February 28th, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

bmw-m1-rendering

Despite numerous rumors around a possible unveiling at the next week’s Geneva Motor Show, we have learned from several sources close to BMW that the M1 Concept (or whichever name will carry) won’t make an appearance at the BMW stand.

Now that our dreams got shattered, at least for now, let’s continue our coverage on the BMW M1 with a new rendering. Harold Wood from 1Addicts makes an attempt at photoshoping a BMW 1 Series Coupe with some of the most common M-brand design elements.

While not shown here, we learned in the past that at the front-end, the bumper will be larger and more massive than any M-Package we have seen so far, and the usual fog lights are gone. The massive front bumper will allow air to flow for the High Performance Intercooler.

Like the front end of the car, the rear is wider with a look that is reminds us of the transition between the previous E46 Coupe and the E46 M3. Broader wheel arches will accommodate the larger track and the classic “Ducktail” appearance makes a welcome return with the spoiler now integrated as part of the bootlid, for a more cohesive look and additional aid for aerodynamics.

As portrayed in the photoshoped image above, the rear valance/diffuser area takes its direction from the standard 135i, but with open ducts for aerodynamic purpose; the duct is separated by typical M quad exhaust pipes.

The roof of the car receives the typical BMW M Coupe addition of a reinforced Carbon Fibre Roof to help maintain the lightweight concept.

Two air intakes on the front wings gives the M1 the classic M-look.

The BMW M1 is powered by an updated/upgraded N55 engine worked on by the M Divison. The 1,500 kg M1 is said to output 345 horsepower.

The car is scheduled to officially launch in 2011, but we hope to learn more next Tuesday when the Geneva Motor Show’s door will open.


Rumor: BMW M1 cosmetic personalization program

February 16th, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

BMW-m1-coupe

With two weeks left before the Geneva Motor Show, the BMW propaganda machine continues to provide bits of information on the upcoming BMW M1 Concept to be revealed at the Swiss auto show.

The one and only Scott27 returns with further details on the M1, this time, around its cosmetic personalization program, and BMW’s goal to allow for any enthusiast out there to customize their car prior to taking delivery.

Here is a summary of his report that can be found below:

EXTERIOR:

  • Carbon fiber hood (bonnet)
  • Carbon fiber trunk (bootlid) with integrated spoiler
  • Carbon fiber mirrors
  • Carbon fiber front splitters
  • Carbon fiber rear valence diffuser
  • Carbon fiber sideskirts
  • M-stripes (available in M tricolors, Alpine White, or Ferric Gray)
  • M-stripes may be placed on left, central, or right hand side of car. Additional stripes can be incorporated along the side of the car.
  • 18″ competition wheels in two finishes
  • BMW shadowline chrome can be extended to the front kidney grills and rear exhaust ports (titanium effect finish will be an option).
  • Matte paint options : Frozen Gray, Frozen Black, Ice White.
  • Techno Violet option (including all additional colors from other M-vehicles)

INTERIOR:

  • Seats available in full and half-leather using M tri-color pattern on center of seats (like E30 / M3 Evo).
  • M tricolor pattern on door panels (like E30 / M3 Evo)
  • Carbon fiber dashboard panels / Aluminum panel options.
  • Titanium and body color matched pieces extending to the door handles and gear shift surround trim.
  • Alacantra seat fabric and roof headliner.

BMW M1 Report:

When introduced as a Concept precursor to the BMW performance packet for the 1er Coupe. The Tii Concept introduced a modern day approach to personalization.

Having already established a successful personalization program for the MINI brand. Concept Tii introduced the early stages to what can be achieved for the BMW brand.

The Tii Concept unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 in a land where personalization is a common theme amongst younger domestic Japanese customers previewed the imminent BMW Performance range a customization package for the 1er Coupe.

Although the BMW Performance package has been established. BMW are still aware of the After market companies that offer enthusiasts more diversity some at the cost to the official BMW warranty.

The M1 aims to be a new form of concept for BMW by offering a personalization program to the specific demographic although the elements will be purely cosmetic.

Although introduced on the BMW 1er Coupe Tii Concept but never carried over to the BMW Performance range was the Carbon Fibre bonnet.

The BMW M1 will offer as a part of the personalization program this feature as well as an optional Carbon Fiber bootlid with integrated Spoiler. other Carbon Fiber features to be presented as options include mirrors , front splitters , rear valance and side skirts. This will allow the customer to add these additional lightweight aids to the standard Carbon Fiber Roof.

Taking a look back from history will be the return of M stripes which can be ordered in the M Tri-color or in Alpine White or Ferric Grey. The stripes can be ordered to be placed on each the left , central or right hand side of the car allowing a continuation from the front of the car’s facia flowing over the roof right down to the rear bumper. M-Bonnet Stripes can also be ordered being placed MINI style on the grooves of the hood. Additional stripes can be incorporated along the side “character line” across the car , classic reversed “Turbo” signs can

Alloy wheel choices will begin with standard 18″ 5 spoke wheels in two finishes , optional will be 18″ competition wheels again in two finishes. BMW shadowline chrome can be extended to the front kidney grilles and rear exhaust ports. A titanium effect finish will be an option.

The interior will offer a Motorsport haven by a combination of standard Sports seats in a combination of leather , half-leather full fabric using an M Tri-Color pattern on the central part of the seats and door panels similar in effect to the classic E30 series M3 Evo.

The Dash area of the car will offer Unique Carbon Fiber dash capping as well as aluminum effect , Titanium and body color which extends to the door grabs and gearbox surround . Alacantra for the seats and roof headlining will be an option.

Matte Paint options will be exclusive to the M1 and available in Frozen Grey and Black and Ice White. additional colors will carry over from other M Vehicles along with colors exclusive to the M1 including a new update of “Techno Violet”

The Tii Concept and the addition of BMW Performance has established that there is a market for an in-house personalization program for M vehicles although aimed at the cosmetic aspect additional Performance upgrades will be introduced as an extended vehicle option.

The BMW M1 will be the test case for the M Personalization program but it is highly likely the M3 will eventually offer something similar.

[Source: 1Addicts ]


Spy Photos: 2012 BMW M1 revealed more than ever

February 13th, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

2011-BMW-M1

Despite any official acknowledgment from BMW, our sources close to the brand place the BMW M1 Concept on the floors at the Geneva Motor Show in March. In the mean time, winter testing continues and the spy photographers over at SportAuto Online have spotted a test mule during one of the driving sessions.

The 2012 BMW M1 is said to be inspired from BMW’s tii Concept revealed in 2007. The new M1 is rumored to come equipped with a revised version of the N55 twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder engine producing around 345 horsepower and north of 300 lb-ft of torque.

The M1 will differ from the standard 1 Series Coupe with a more muscular appearance, especially at the front-end which receives a trapezoid grille flanked by two intakes that allow air to cool the six piston brakes. The larger front grille also allows air into the high performance intercooler. The M1 headlights follow the typical M look by having enclosed “eyebags” that emphasize the front of the car even more, providing a more sportier look than the standard 1 Series Coupe.

The rear-end has a wider stance with broader wheel arches to accommodate the larger track. The classic “Ducktail” appearance makes a welcomed return with the spoiler now integrated as part of the bootlid for a more cohesive look and additional aid for aerodynamics.

The rear valance/diffuser area takes its direction from the standard 135i, but with open ducts for aerodynamic purposes. The duct is separated by the typical M quad exhaust pipes. The roof of the car receives the M3 Coupe’s reinforced Carbon Fiber Roof to help maintain the lightweight concept.

The M1 will feature standard 18″ 5-spoke wheels with optional 18″ Competition wheels.

As we mentioned, the an M1 Concept is rumored to appear at the Geneva Motor Show and a final production model to be launched sometimes next year.

For more photos, visit SportAuto Online, but don’t forget to leave your impressions in the comments box below.


Editorial: Keep Hope Alive

February 12th, 2010 Andrew No comments

For a auto maker – enthusiasts are the hardest groups to please. Think about it – the general masses want cars that are attractive, technologically advanced, comfortable and efficient. Most people, in luxury cars, want leather seats, sunroofs, navigation units, automatics, 25 speaker surround sound systems – a plethora of luxury, electric everything. That can make things difficult from an engineering standpoint when the goal is to incorporate performance with luxury.

Enthusiasts want all of those things as well – plus none of the compromises they bring – and more power. In some cases, enthusiasts want none of the things the average car buyer wants – they want simplicity, no technology, no frills – sometimes no rear seats! “Simplify, then add lightness” as the great god of motorsport Colin Chapman once preached – a principal still maintained by his creation: Lotus Cars.

Colin_Chapman_Lotus_Esprit_S2_Thum

However, nearly all car manufacturers aren’t small, enthusiast/track-oriented manufacturing concerns and don’t have the opportunity of building cars that are both simple and light but must build increasingly heavy, safer, more refined vehicles. As many have noticed, this trend has been continuing since the 1960’s – and constantly been a point of contention for the die hards in the car community – the days of the featherweight AC Cobra or light 2002tii are sadly gone.

However, to combat this – many car manufacturers have continued to add power to offset the growing girth of cars – prime examples being the Mercedes AMG lines from the 1980’s with the AMG-built Hammer or even the original M6. Heavy hitting luxury and weight with heavy hitting power relative to the times to compensate.

Mercifully, some manufacturers have begun to wake up and realize that Chapman was correct as Nissan have demonstrated with the 370Z producing more power, weighing less and carrying a shorter chassis than its predecessor. BMW have started to work toward this same goal – the 2003 M3 CSL being the stand out of this thought process applied in Munich. A high performance engine and suspension combined with lighter weight materials plus revised cams and intake and you have a recipe for a track car that keeps enthusiasts up at night wondering about how much faster their lap times would be if they could get access to such a rare piece of Bavarian iron.

BMW, rumor has it, is going to continue a trend of more power and lower weight in a small car with the supposed forthcoming “M1″ or M-derived 1 Series. The specifications that have been described read like a hit list of track day goodies: 340HP to 350HP from a modified twin-scroll turbo inline-6, dual clutch transmission, minimized weight, revised brakes – a new, properly tuned M car. Speculation puts the performance somewhere just shy of the M3 and its montrous V8 as well just shy of the M3 on price. Similar to the idea Nissan was after with the 370Z, BMW is going for a focused, determined 1 Series – one for the fans. A smaller, lighter, focused car that puts performance paramount to luxury – or so we hope.

BMW M3 CSL - Front, 2003

These cars, M cars and especially an M-derived 1 Series, they’re important and not because they’ll sell “X” number more cars for BMW. They’re important because they keep we enthusiasts alive inside and lets us know that we’ve not been forgotten – we are the minority, the unappreciated few who cling to our gasoline engines and manual transmissions and cloth interiors. We are the few that get excited when we can take options off cars and that people don’t understand when we get excited that a $40,000 car doesn’t come with a sunroof or power seats. We prefer our daily drivers to share more with the touring car variant than the road going version.

Thankfully, BMW is a company staffed with a large number of enthusiasts – enthusiasts who understand these peculiar traits and our needs in terms of vehicles. Thus, a car such as a 1 Series M may manage to combine a smaller, lighter package with a powerhouse engine – a recipe for driver enjoyment. A venue for what can happen when you find the rare group that has enthusiasts both in the engineering as well as the sales and marketing departments. Coincidentially, BMW has this elusive combination and this is important for one sole reason: to keep hope alive for the ever evaporating group of enthusiasts – to keep the hope alive within us that car companies haven’t forgotten our passions despite ever-growing pushes for efficiencies and heavy, technology-laden consumer cars. We crave cars that let us fly by the seat of our pants if even for a few short moments on abandoned stretches of asphalt. Those are the moments car enthusiasts live and die by.

bmw-m1

In must-see-for-car-fans Love the Beast, star, director, and dyed-in-the-wool car nut Eric Bana says that his custom Ford Falcon sports car was always a camp fire for him to rally around and reconnect with his friends. Well, in what could be the dying fire of the days of motoring enthusiasts, tiny burning embers of cars like the forthcoming BMW “M1″ give enthusiasts a place to rally for warmth in the knowledge that someone still cares about what gets us excited. I say, bring these cars on, BMW, who knows how much longer we’ll be able to enjoy gasoline engines and manual transmissions – continue to build cars that reach into our imaginations and fill our heads with curled roads and full driver involvement. Even Collin Chapman himself would be happy to see the direction performance cars are beginning to take.


Car & Driver attempts to predict the future M3 – Our response to this

February 9th, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

2010_bmw_m3_sedan

Looking ahead, the popular magazine Car and Driver attempts to predict the future of the just as popular, BMW M3. The recent rumors around the brand are placing the future M3 into the “turbo world” where all the M cars will be equipped with turbo-based powerplants.

The subject of a naturally aspirated vs. a turbo-engine has been long debated and the purpose of this article is not to continue that endless confrontation.

So, let’s begin with C&D’s take on the future M3.

BMW has gone direct-injection and turbo crazy, an obsession that should manifest under the hood of the next M3 as a hairier version of the turbocharged six BMW uses elsewhere. That twin-turbo 3.0-liter now makes up to 335 hp in new higher-performance versions of the Z4 and 3-series, and a single-turbo six good for 300 horses replaces the twin-turbo in most other applications. This frees the twin-turbo’s output to head for the moon. Having crossed the 400-hp threshold with the V-8 in the current M3, BMW isn’t likely to go back.

Less than 400 hp is possible, however, if the engineers at M decide to go really crazy. We anticipate an overall lightening of the M3 in its next generation, and if that weight-loss plan is particularly successful, we could see a turbo four-cylinder installed in the next M3. The first M3 was powered by a four-cylinder, and if sufficient performance levels can be achieved in a lighter car, there’s a possibility BMW would go back to a four-pot—which would further slash loads of weight from the engine room. And less weight means less power to achieve the same performance—not to mention better handling.

Pretty fair statements so far and they are certainly on the right track…..with some things. While there is no doubt that the future BMW M3, codename F32, will indeed feature a turbo engine, the odds of seeing a four-cylinder turbo in there is very slim. Even if BMW somehow manages to keep the weight of the next M3 as the same levels as the current one, or even lower by using more carbon fiber elements, the four-cylinder engine will most likely be reserved for a different model……and our bets go on the BMW M1.

Now the question is: will it be the M1 based on the current 1 Series Coupe? Or another M1 to come out the distant future? The E82 based BMW M1, or whichever name will carry, is rumored to be powered by an updated/upgraded N55 engine by the M Divison, but moving to a new 1 Series design in the future and aligning with BMW’s goals to produce smaller, more efficient but still powerful cars, we expect to see an upgraded four-cylinder turbo engine in that particular M1. This automatically fills up a spot right below the M3 and naturally the next model will have to maintain its superiority.

But will it be with a six-cylinder turbo engine or just another upgraded V8 twin-scroll as seen in the X5M/X6M?

The possibilities are indeed vast and truth is that BMW holds the key to this riddle, but we expect to see the BMW M1 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show and based on that, to learn more about the future of M divison.

But here is another thought we have. What if the future BMW M3 will be powered by a high-rev engine  based on the twin-scroll N55? What if we are going to see another “S” labeled engine, but based on the “N” technology?

Is it feasible? Would it work?

Time will tell, but judging based on their track record, BMW is known for pushing the envelope and constantly innovating.


Rumor: New Details on the future BMW M1 Design

February 5th, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

As we approach the Geneva Motor Show where a possible unveiling of the new BMW M1 is planned, several rumors around the entry level M continue to pop-up around the web.

Scott27, the popular BMW source, has returned with some new, teasing information on the BMW M1.

Direct quote from the source:

“The M1 will differ from the standard 1er with a more muscular appearance especially at the front which receives a trapezoid grille flanked by two intakes to allow air to cool the six piston brakes. The larger grille at the front of the car also allows air into the High Performance Intercooler. underneath the headlights the M1 follows the typical M look by having enclosed headlights or “eyebags” this helps pronounce the front of the car and providing a more sporting look than the conventional 1er Coupe.

bmw-m1

Above the brake ducts are tiny lip spoilers that help with airflow these help with additional “Active aerodynamics” to provide downforce. The aluminium bonnet incorporates a subtle hood bulge again to hint at the power underneath flanked by two airducts at each side with one for design symmetry. The front wings of the car are massaged slightly to accommodate the wider track and to neatly fill the arches with standard 18″ 5 spoke wheels with optional 18″ Competition wheels. 18″ will be the optimum wheel size for the M1.

bmwe92[1]

The front wings incorporate the typical M characteristic of a side vent , again the M1 is no different with a slightly shorter vent due to the proportion of front door – wing- arch accommodating the turn signal and insignia. The side sills accommodate a more sculpted appearance again identifying the car from the standard 135i or BMW performance packet.

Like the front end of the car the rear end is wider with a look that is almost similar to the transition between the previous E46 Coupe and the E46 M3 , broader wheel arches accommodate the larger track , The classic “Ducktail” appearance makes a welcome return with the spoiler now integrated as part of the bootlid for a more cohesive look and additional aid for aerodynamics.

The rear valance/diffuser area takes it’s direction from the standard 135i but with open ducts for aerodynamic purpose , the duct is separated by typical M quad exhaust pipes.

The roof of the car receives the typical BMW M Coupe addition of a reinforced Carbon Fibre Roof to help maintain the lightweight concept.

Summary:

* More muscular appearance than standard 1-series
* Trapezoid grille flanked by two intakes to allow extra brake cooling
* Six piston brakes
* High performance intercooler
* Sportier looking headlights than standard 1-series
* Small lip spoilers above brake duct inlets to provide extra air flow and downforce
* The front wings of the car are massaged slightly to accommodate the wider track. Rear end is also wider.
* Standard 18″ 5-spoke wheels with optional 18″ Competition wheels (18″ will be the optimum wheel size for the M1)
* Signature M side vent
* Broader wheel arches to accommodate larger track
* “Ducktail” CSL style rear trunk (integrated spoiler)
* Rear valance/diffuser area takes its direction from the standard 135i but with open ducts for aerodynamic purpose
* Signature M quad exhaust pipes
* Reinforced carbon fiber roof

[Source: 1Addicts ]


Video of future BMW M1 and a possible leaked photo

January 21st, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

The rumors around a future BMW M1 continue with a new episode that includes a spy video of a test mule spotted during winter testing and an allegedly leaked photo.

Along with the video, new information popped up on the web. The BMW M1, or whichever name will carry, is powered by an updated/upgraded N55 engine by the M Divison. The 1,500 kg M1 also features a high performance intercooler and the output is said to be measured at 345 horsepower.

At the front-end, the front bumper will be larger and more massive than any M-Package we have seen so far, and the usual fog lights are gone. The massive front bumper will allow air to flow for the High Performance Intercooler.

bmw-m1-photo

Brake air ducts will provide cooling for the six piston ceramic brake discs and the M1 showcases two ducts on the bonnet, one for air flow and the other purely for cosmetic reasons.

Two air intakes on the front wings gives the typical M-look, with the bar that incorporates the side indicator light, placed now on top instead of striking through.

As any other M car, we expect to see wider fenders and wheels, plenty of carbon fiber elements and a visual appealing bootlid.

According to BMW insiders, the reason behind the M1 is not to completely focus on power, but rather build a car more entertaining and thrilling to drive than any other cars that will cost twice as much. M1 will be purely about driver focus and torque.

With the M3 positioned above the 3 Series, the M1 will fit between 1 Series and one of the higher-end 3 Series models, but certainly below the M3.

The photo above comes in a way to confirm some of these bold statements, but at the moment, we cannot verify the authenticity of this “leaked” photo.

Earlier this month, we introduced the potential BMW roadmap for 2010 and the Geneva Motor Show was listed as being the host of a new concept car. Could this be the M1 Concept? We shall find out when March comes.

Video of a prototype testing in snow

[Source: 1Addicts/Scott27 ]


Categories: 2011 BMW M1, 2012 BMW M1, Spy Photos, bmw-m1 Tags:

Spy Photos: BMW M1 spotted during winter testing

January 16th, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

The highly rumored and somewhat confirmed BMW M1 makes its second appearance during a winter testing session.

The final name has yet to be finalized, but we believe the iconic M1 name will be restored due to its resonance and prestige. The 2012 BMW M1 is said to be inspired from BMW’s tii Concept revealed in 2007.

The new M1 is rumored to come equipped with a revised version of the N55 twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder engine producing around 345 horsepower and north of 300 lb-ft of torque.

As seen in these and previous spy photos, the new BMW M1 is based on the current generation 1 Series Coupe, but it features a wider track, unique M Drive differential and plenty of M1-like improvements.

2012-BMW-M1

The underpinnings of the 1 Series Coupe – MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension – will remain the same, but M engineers will introduce new suspensions, springs and dampers.

All BMW’s latest EfficientDynamics gizmos will be standard too, including stop/start, gearshift indicators, lower rolling resistance tires, on-demand oil and water pumps, a lighter air-con compressor and active aero.

Exterior design will get the special M treatment, deeper front spoiler, flared front wheel arches, chunkier sills, a rear deck spoiler and a deeper rear valance with four chromed exhaust pipes.

The decision to put the car into production has been attributed to an “overwhelmingly positive reaction” to recent customer clinics, according to at least one high-ranking BMW official. The demographic is said to be younger customers craving for BMW performance and the M1 will be the most affordable M in the line-up. It is also considered to be a direct competitor to the future Audi RS3.

Production is set to begin at the Leipzig factory in Germany and as we mentioned before, the new M1 will be unveiled in 2011.

[Source: Car Magazine ]


BMW M1 350 horsepower gets the go-ahead

January 6th, 2010 Horatiu B. No comments

The rumors of a new BMW M1 have been going around for quite some time now, but no solid reports have been ever made nor confirmed by BMW. Today, British magazine Autocar reports that BMW greentlights the development of an M version of the 1 Series Coupe.

The new M1 is rumored to come equipped with a revised version of the N55 twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder engine producing around 350 horsepower and north of 300 lb-ft of torque. Sales are expected to begin in mid-2011.

The decision to put the car into production has been attributed to an “overwhelmingly positive reaction” to recent customer clinics, according to at least one high-ranking BMW official. The demographic is said to be younger customers craving for BMW performance and the M1 will be the most affordable M in the line-up. It is also considered to be a direct competitor to the future Audi RS3.

BMW-Concept-1-Series-tii-1-lg

Autocar speculates on the price point, around 38,000 British Pounds and it will be slotted beneath the M3 Coupe.

The upcoming modular platforms from BMW allows them to build more cars within the class and still maintain a relatively low price point.

“With the modular production processes in place at BMW, it is possible to create performance cars that customers can not only dream about owning but also realistically afford”, says Dr. Kay Segler, BMW M boss.

The final name has yet to be finalized, but we believe the iconic M1 name will be restored due to its resonance and prestige. The 2012 BMW M1 is said to be inspired from BMW’s tii Concept revealed in 2007.

For the new M car the engine will re-adopt a twin-turbocharged layout, although the new system is said to differ quite dramatically from that used on the older engine; it’s likely to get a new turbo and a more efficient intercooler arrangement.

No confirmation on the transmission options, but expect something similar to other M cars.

With a kerb weight of not much more than 1500kg, its 0 to 60mph performance should be around the 5 seconds mark.

EfficientDynamics will continue to play an important role in future BMW products, so expect to see a stop-start and brake regeneration systems in place.

The underpinnings of the 1 Series Coupe – MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension – will remain the same, but M engineers will introduce new suspensions, springs and dampers. “We’re aiming to make it a lot more dynamic than the standard 135i,” said Segler.

Exterior design will get the special M treatment, deeper front spoiler, flared front wheel arches, chunkier sills, a rear deck spoiler and a deeper rear valance with four chromed exhaust pipes.

Production is set to begin at the Leipzig factory in Germany and as we mentioned before, the new M1 will be unveiled in 2011.

Assembly of the newest M-car is likely to take place at BMW’s Leipzig factory in Germany. alongside standard versions of the 1-series coupé.

[Source: Autocar ]