Special Coverage
North American Int’l Auto Show
The name recalls the mid-ship supercar designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro that marked the birth of the M (for Motorsport) branch of BMW AG 32 years ago.
In January, the “second generation” M1 coupe will makes its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The return to the future is in name only though. This time the new “affordable supercar” has its powerful engine in the front, sits four instead of two and includes a sizable luggage compartment in the back.
The coupe’s 3.0L straight-6 engine will pump out 335 hp and as much as 332 lb.-ft. (450 Nm) of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm, translating into 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration in just 4.9 seconds, BMW says.
The car is capable of reaching 124 mph (200 km/h) from a standstill in 17.3 seconds, the auto maker adds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
The M1’s notchback architecture is intended to be a muscular evolution of the classic BMW 1-series coupe. However, the high-performance model offers the nostalgic look of a classic racer that may be new – and provocative – to some younger buyers in the U.S., China and even Europe.
The new M1 has proportions characteristic of a coupe, with the familiar design language of a BMW M car, including clear-cut air ducting and air curtains; an athletic side section with typical M gills; strikingly flared wheel arches; a powerful rear end, with dual tailpipes on both sides; and big wheels.
To make the M1 Coupe easily recognized at a distance, it will be available in only three exterior paint finishes. It will be produced at the Leipzig, Germany, plant and will hit domestic showrooms in May starting at €50,500 ($66,746).
