Road & Track: BMW will build an M version of its 1 Series

[Fireball]

Source: http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-c...bmw-1-series-m

Spied! 2012 BMW 1 Series M - Spy Shots!

Will BMW finally build an M version of its 1 Series? These spy photos say “yes!”

By Mike Monticello / Photos by KGP Photography

March 3, 2010

If the tacked-on fender flares seen on this BMW 1 Series Coupe are any indication, BMW is working on the long-awaited M version of its little rear-driver.

BMW has teased us with a hot 1 Series before, specifically at the Tokyo Auto Show back in 2007. So is BMW intent on giving its 1 Series the proper M treatment? We believe the answer is “yes.” A source at BMW told us two things regarding a 1 Series M: First, that “there seems to be something to the rumors.” Second, it will happen during the North American coupe’s current lifecycle. By our figuring, and going by BMW’s usual seven-year model lifecycle, that means the latest it would happen is 2014. But judging by the running prototype we’ve spied here, we believe it’ll be sooner—2011 for Europe and on sale by 2012 in North America.

Whether the car will actually be called an “M1” remains to be seen. Although that would fit with BMW’s M numbering system, it’s doubtful BMW would apply the name from its storied mid-engine supercar from the late 1970s to a 1 Series.

Less of a debate is the car’s drivetrain: It will use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 and rear-wheel drive, although there’s some question as to whether it will be a pumped-up version of the current car’s twin-turbo setup, or if it will adopt the new twin-scroll single turbo found in the revamped 3 Series Coupe/Cabrio and the new 535i. Either way, expect power to be about 350 bhp, an increase of 50 bhp over the current 135i.

The 1 Series M treatment will include stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, larger wheels and stickier tires to greatly aid the 1 Series’ so-so handling. And, of course, BMW will include some styling enhancements and a sportier interior.

[BMW269]

[southlight]

We've seen the pictures before (see HERE), but the information Road & Track provided appears to be new and hence is worth being posted. Thanks Fireball!

So, the BMW M1, based on the E82, is on AGAIN!?!

Originally Posted by Road & Track

A source at BMW told us two things regarding a 1 Series M: First, that “there seems to be something to the rumors.” Second, it will happen during the North American coupe’s current lifecycle.

Best regards,
south

[Evice]

I lol'ed so hard... man is it on or is it off.. I don't believe any of them anymore, i will go by audi ha

[TMR013]

It's going to be the 135is. The Edmounds report sounds more credible.

[BMWDAD]

blah............................................

[lacrosse]

Originally Posted by TMR013

It's going to be the 135is. The Edmounds report sounds more credible.

[Feyd]

These magazine articles are finalized weeks before they are printed.... might be new issue of road and track, but the article could be referencing old information.

*shrug*

[emm3tt]

Monthly car magazines should just stop posting "scoops." Embarrassing.

[BMW269]

No guys, it is really going to be M1, and not 135i M or 1 M but ///M1.

[sparoz]

Double negative - I cannot see it not happening. There won't be that much work done on a 135is, and faith would tell me that it's going to be something special.

[onesuperboi]

Here's the link.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-c...bmw-1-series-m

[Craig@SupremePower]

wrong forum... the car has promise for sure!

[onesuperboi]

Originally Posted by Craig@SupremePower

wrong forum... the car has promise for sure!

Oops, my bad. I forgot their was a 1 series forum.