2012 BMW 1-series M Coupe
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, a label that we have suggested before as well. Based on these information, we continue to believe that the top two choices remain the 1M and the aforementioned 135i M.
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, a label that we have suggested before as well. Based on these information, we continue to believe that the top two choices remain the 1M and the aforementioned 135i M.
As we 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, or even, possibly becoming an appreciative asset.
With a launch scheduled for second quarter of 2011, we expect the gran 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.
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, or even, possibly becoming an appreciative asset.
With a launch scheduled for second quarter of 2011, we expect the gran 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.
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