Even though BMW has repeatedly denied plans to produce an M version of its 1 Series coupé, the boss of the marque’s performance division has revealed the Munich-based manufacturer is keen to broaden its customer base by offering “financially-accessible” model that will produce 263 kW and slot below the M3 in the M line-up. Guten himmel!
Autocar.co.uk has quoted M division boss Kay Segler as saying “with the modular production processes in place at BMW, it is possible to create performance cars that customers can not only dream about owning but also realistically afford.” To that end, BMW’s M division has started development of an M version of the 135i Coupé, which, Segler claims, will be “a lot more dynamic than the standard (model)”.
The development is significant in that BMW seems to have had a change of heart about producing an M model based on the 1 Series. The company has traditionally opposed an expansion of its M model line-up for fear of diluting the exclusivity of the brand, let alone hurting the division’s heritage of building purpose-built sportscars…
However, the recent emergence of X5 M and X6 M, which were considered flagrant pipe dreams when the SUV ranges that the models are based upon were launched, suggests that BMW is determined to enter new markets with its M Division. In the case of the 1 Series M, there is bound to be a young and upwardly-mobile clientele eager to snap up BMW’s most affordable M car when it arrives in mid-2011. The M-treatment will also ensure that the current-generation 1 Series will end its model life with a bang!
Inspiration for the new car comes from BMW’s tii concept, a sporting version of the 1-series coupé that was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Show. The new M car will use a revised version of BMW’s latest turbocharged 3,0-litre straight six, but will re-adopt a twin-turbocharged configuration, as opposed to the single, twin-scroll blower utilised on the more recent 535i GT. More than peak power output (said to be 263 kW), though, torque was likely to play a more significant role in defining the new car’s character, autocar.co.uk suggested. The report said “the newly developed M version of the engine should be good for at least 420 N.m”.
In terms of transmission, the 1 Series M will probably feature a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and electronically-controlled M differential. Autocar expects the eagerly-anticipated newcomer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5,5 seconds, going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h… That’s M3-rivalling performance!
The M division has developed firmer spring and dampers and a new set of bushes, along with lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels to improve the M car’s undercarriage, and on the outside, there will be an M division body kit, including a deeper front spoiler, flared front wheel arches, chunkier sills, a deeper rear valance – and four chromed exhaust pipes!
There’s still confusion over what the 1 Series M will be called, because BMW’s seminal supercar from the late Seventies was named the M1 and Munich traditionalists will not want to create confusion (especially seeing that BMW has a new supercar in the works, but shh, don’t tell anyone we said so). Ultimately, no matter which name BMW decides to give the M version of the 1 Series, the model will be expected to set a benchmark for compact sports cars. And if it succeeds, the product’s name will be of little consequence.