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BMW (new) M1 - M-car madness?


Andy_Bangle
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Have BMW gone M-car mad, they are knocking them out everywhere ... M3, M3 GTS, M5, M5 CSL, M6, Z4 M, X5 M, X6 M ....

Based on the next-gen 1-series, the new car will be designed to introduce younger customers to new M cars. It would compete with cars such as the next-generation Audi S3, with pricing starting at around £32,000.

“We’re conscious that our existing customers are gravitating towards larger and more expensive models such as the X5/X6 M,” said an M division source. “We’re looking at ways to attract new customers to the brand, and an entry-level model is part of those plans.”

Asked whether BMW’s M division was considering producing a sports car to go up against the Audi R8, Mercedes SLS and Porsche’s 911 Turbo, Autocar’s source said, “Such a project would fit nicely with our operations and would be greatly accepted by the engineers. But the priority right now is a more affordable model underneath the M3.”

The car is likely to be based on the next 135i, meaning it will use a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six producing around 330bhp. And BMW may well revive the M1 badge for the car.

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More Details/rumours on the BMW M1 Design:

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.

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.

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 fibre roof

1addicts are getting very excited about it.

Edited by Andy_Bangle
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For the first time since the rumors and spy photos hit the web, BMW officially confirms the existence of the upcoming BMW 1M, or M1 as we referred to in the past. In an interview with Auto-News.de (Google Translation), Dr. Kay Segler, BMW M Division boss, confirms that the 1-Series based M model will arrive in the second quarter of 2011.

While he went on record to confirm the new M car, Segler has yet to reveal the chosen name of this enthusiast M model. Furthermore, Segler mentioned that the M1 badging will not be used for this new car, and that the designation M1 should remain attached to the original M1 supercar produced in 30 years ago.

The German magazine goes on by mentioning the name 135i M.

As stated before, the 1M model is based on the 135i Coupe and it uses an updated engine of the same car. Expectations are that the horsepower numbers will be in the 340-350 range, up from 306 horsepower found in the standard engine.

The 1-Series based M car will run in small numbers due to the short life-cycle(around 12 months), and will result in a collector’s vehicle with little loss of residual value. (you can hope)

With a launch scheduled for second quarter of 2011, I expect the grand-unveiling to take place either at Detroit Auto Show next year (U.S. market remains the primarily target for M division), or at the Geneva Motor Show with the other major M release, F10 M5.

Edited by Andy_Bangle
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