Baby M car coming for next generation 1 series!

[@ri]

From 1Addicts:

BMW is looking at a new M model below the M3, according to highly placed sources from inside the firm’s M division, who suggest the new car has been favoured over a BMW supercar.

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.”

Among the new car’s biggest backers is newly installed BMW M division boss Kay Segler. The former head of brand management at Mini, he has experience with fast, compact two-doors: he oversaw the introduction of the Mini Cooper S and Cooper S Works.

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.

from: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/BMW-1-Series/244598/

 

[zaleonardz]

POCKET ROCKET !!!!!

That thing should be awesome...

 

[@ri]

:drool: ///M1...:drool:

 

[Mike1]

Must resist....MUST!

It looks like a awesome little car :thumbsup:

 

[Twinz]

me too...but a white 1

 

[De@nO]

Hmm.. interesting, but isnt the whole point of an 'M' car, power created the N/A route? Im sure i read somewhere that the M divison strives to only make their cars N/A and not forced induction. This also raises the question about the X5 and X6 Ms? Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Hellas]

sinkplaat en pop rivets for your car to look like that too, @ri!

 

[calypso]

Unfortunatelly N/A is a thing of the past with the new laws on C02 and fuel.
The new M cars will have to be turbo so they can also have a frugal mode to plod along in. Im all for an M 1 series, but they cant call it an M1, thats reserved for the supercar.

 

[@ri]

Yeah doubt it would be called M1.

lol Hellas! I think the bbs rims are worse

 

[///Marksman]

what ever happened to that 135tii?

 

[Mike1]

BMW has already gone the route of twin turbos in the X3 M which is available in Australia.

 

[freerider]

YES PLEEEEEZZZZ, turbos are fine imho, much easier to wring more power out of a turbo motor, as long as its a 6pot it will still sound awesome

 

[De@nO]

hmm... to me, forced induction is 'cheating' a bit.

 

[@ri]

hmm... to me, forced induction is 'cheating' a bit.

Yeah we discussed this agreed

 

[scunick]

YES PLEEEEEZZZZ, turbos are fine imho, much easier to wring more power out of a turbo motor, as long as its a 6pot it will still sound awesome

Last rumour i heard was that the M-based 1 series was to be a 4 pot.... bbbbbblllaaahhhhhggggg:cursin::cursin:..... save our sixes!!!!

 

[@ri]

With a 1 Series M (the obvious name, M1, would also be problematic with hardcore BMW followers), Willisch is looking to recapture the spirit of the four-cylinder, E30 M3.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/...next_m3_and_1_series/index.html#ixzz0W568xLK4

The 1 Series M will weigh less than 2900 pounds and its turbo four must make at least 300 horsepower, Willisch says. “I would love to have a car like that in our range. It would also be a good thing to get the interest of younger customers again. This would only be a story for the next 1 Series, so you’d be looking at 2014 or so.”

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/...next_m3_and_1_series/index.html#ixzz0W55gFQKv

http://www.motortrend.com/features/...cylinders_for_next_m3_and_1_series/index.html

Turbod 4 @ < 1315 kg and +-224kw :drool: ///M power

 

[Jandre]

If I look at that first pic, it seems they have riveted the wheel arch lining to the outside of the fender.:dropjaw:

 

[DonovanPorter]

thats hot

 

[NoFear]

Sweet little car would be a nice addition to the M cars!! :drool:

 

[CheapnNasty]

Should have put in the E46 M3 N/A engine in it. Will be welcome now that the new M3 is close to a mil. Also S3, Focus ST etc, etc needs a direct competitor.

But I wonder how the pricing will work. The "M1" if it's built will cost a bit of a premium over the 135i, which is currently R400k (no options)? So the "M1" may be around R550k I figure (E46 M3 prices?). Close to good (semi loaded E90, E92) secondhand M3 territory! Will they design it to be faster than the 335i? Which will probably be a few grand more as well. :mmm: