BMW M1 confirmed
But it won't be called the M1. The M-tuned BMW 1 Series Coupe is due mid-2011 to rival Audi's TT RSWe've been teased with spy photos of the M1; it's been variously denied and vaguely hinted at during the past 18 months, but now it seems as though BMW has finally given an M-tuned 1 Series Coupe the green light for production.
German website Auto-News.de broke the story, after interviewing BMW M GmbH's big chief, Dr Kay Segler.
The Chief Executive of the BMW M division explained that while the M1 badge would not be used (as it's reserved solely for the 1978 M1 model), the 1 Series Coupe would indeed get the full M division fettling.
The new go-fast BMW will rival vehicles such as the Audi TT RS and Porsche Cayman.
Dr Segler didn't go into detail in terms of performance upgrades the 1 Series Coupe would offer, but it's likely to get a high output version of the twin turbocharged petrol 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine.
One possible scenario is that the M-tuned 1 Series Coupe would take advantage of the 250kW/500Nm iteration of the 3.0-litre six seen in the BMW Z4 sDrive35is.
The M Division's chief did divulge that the hardcore 1 Series Coupe would hit the streets (in Europe) in the second quarter of 2011, but everything else is being kept a secret for the time being.
Chassis tweaks are almost guaranteed however, with bigger wheels, wider tyres, and a more rigid suspension setup distinct possibilities to ensure the hi-po tiny tot can compete with Audi's five-cylinder turbo TT RS.
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