Next Generation BMW M1 rumoured to be in the pipeline

BMW’s motorsport division, M GmbH, is said to be evaluating the possibility of resurrecting the brand’s famed M1 supercar. If true, the successor to the original M1 will become BMW’s fastest model.

BMW has been somewhat lagging behind in the German supercar race, with both Mercedes-Benz and Audi currently offering their own exotic metals. The closest BMW has to a supercar is the M3 and M5, but these are more performance sedans than road-hugging, low profile supercars.

According to a recent Auto Bild report, a new BMW M1 is in the pipeline. Its lightweight body will be constructed using exotic materials such aluminium, magnesium and titanium. The result is a M1 weighing around 1,250kg.

The lightweight body will be motivated by a twin-turbocharged V8 engine generating up to 478kW (640hp/650PS) of power, enough to sling shot the M1 to a top speed of over 330km/h. Like the original M1, the engine would likely be mid-mounted.

To keep the polar bears happy, and in keeping with BMW’s motto of efficient performance, the new M1 is also projected to feature technologies such as engine stop-start to keep emissions and consumption low.

Styling wise, the BMW M1 Concept will be the pointer to how the final product will look. However, nothing is set in concrete at this stage.

Source: Auto Bild