To give the 1-series a badly needed image boost, BMW is reconsidering the M1. This project was originally scheduled to arrive at this year's Detroit Motor Show back in January. Under Ulrich Bruhnke, who recently left the company, the M division had proposed four different M1 spin-offs: a coupe, a lightweight GTR, a cabriolet and the E82 M1 touring. The latter model died altogether, the GTR was deemed too expensive despite its motorsport potential, and the fate of the drop-top was of course linked to that of the coupe. Both have now been confirmed.
Since the 1-series will remain in production until 2011, it still makes commercial sense to launch the M1 late next year. The most obvious powertrain choice is the 343bhp 3.2-litre six as fitted to the outgoing M3. It's an expensive engine, and it needs work to trim its CO2 and fuel consumption, but it is the most likely motor, our sources say. According to an internal document seen by CAR Online, the M1 would accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.2sec and would reach a top speed of 175mph if derestricted.
