Autoblog

BMW brings burlesque, Warhol, M1 and 6 Series Gran Coupe to Paris Photo LA

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

BMW has worked with Paris Photo for ten years. This year, the photography exposition lands in Paramount Studios in Los Angeles for the first time, and BMW is not only coming with it, the Bavarians are bringing the most famous Art Car of all: the 1979 M1 painted by Andy Warhol. For those attending the show, there will also be making-of video of Warhol working on the car - but if you remember the mini lecture that EVO magazine's Henry Catchpole gave on the Art Cars, you'll remember that Warhol finished the car so quickly that the cameraman barely had time to get the film rolling.

With that will also be a series of photos of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe dropped into noir scenes accompanied by burlesque models, all taken by photographer Uwe Düttmann. It's the first time they'll be exhibited at Paris Photo. You can check out a few of them in the high-res gallery above, and there's a press release below with more info.

Continue reading BMW brings burlesque, Warhol, M1 and 6 Series Gran Coupe to Paris Photo LA

BMW brings burlesque, Warhol, M1 and 6 Series Gran Coupe to Paris Photo LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW product head says M division would like to develop own car

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, BMW, Luxury

Inside Line reports that BMW's M division wants to play with the other kids and develop its own car, but it's got to wait on parent BMW to say Alles klar. This isn't new; they've been public about the desire for at least two years. The holdup, naturally, is that bean-and-spreadsheet wielding boogeyman named The Business Case: any in-house M offering has to feed the profit motive before getting the okay.

Sure, Audi has its R8, but that was made easier because of the Lamborghini link. The real template for this is Mercedes-Benz's AMG, which created the SLS on its own, and on its own chassis. The sales success of that car must surely have the folks at M anxious to fabricate a proper challenger.

When we talked to former M Division head Dr. Kay Segler, he spoke about pushing the 1 Series M through without dilution in spite of frequent reservations about its business case. We haven't heard the same talk yet from the department's current head, so, using a different template, it could be time for M engineers to start turning wrenches in their spare time: the IS-F began as an after-hours project, and in effect so did the Pagani Zonda. Give us the M1 Hommage, guys. Or feel free to do even better...

BMW product head says M division would like to develop own car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frank Stella's BMW M1 art car finds a new home in the Hamptons

Noah Joseph — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, BMW, Racing

Art cars are growing in popularity, with a number of automakers and their subsidiaries getting on board the trend. But BMW is where it all started. The German automaker has been at it since 1975. A good blogger's dozen of them have been commissioned for BMW over the years, and every one of them has remained in the company's private collection. Except one.

That one is the M1 Procar you see here, painted by Frank Stella in 1979. It remains the only example in the series that was created for a private individual with BMW's blessing. After years in the Guggenheim, Bonhams auctioned it off a couple of months ago at Monterey for a whopping $854,000 - well above estimate.

So who bought it? Jonathan Sobel, owner of (among other interests) BMW of Southampton, way out at the eastern end of New York's Long Island. The dealership is just settling in to its new showroom on Montauk Highway, and that's where the M1 art car will be showcased for much of the new year ahead. So if your plans include a trip out to the Hamptons, you may want to stop by for a rare glimpse. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Frank Stella's BMW M1 art car finds a new home in the Hamptons

Frank Stella's BMW M1 art car finds a new home in the Hamptons originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M1 art car by Frank Stella headed for the auction block

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 May 2011 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, BMW, Design/Style

BMW M1 art car by Frank Stella - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a perfect world, maybe the world's top museums would have infinite space and infinite resources to acquire and display every significant piece of artistic creation they could get their hands on. But, as we are all at times painfully aware, this is an imperfect world. Which is why the Guggenheim Museum is forced to sell this unique BMW M1 art car, in order to raise funds and make way for other works of art. And their loss could be your gain.

The original Bavarian supercar was painted by the celebrated artist Frank Stella in 1979. But while BMW has commissioned many art cars (including another M1 by Andy Warhol and a 3.0 CSL also by Stella) since the program kicked off in 1975, this is the only one that was officially sanctioned by the factory for a private client, whereas all the others remained in the German automaker's private collection. This, then, represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire an original BMW art car.

The vehicle has been part of the museum's collection since 1999, and will be auctioned by Bonhams this coming August at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California, where it's expected to fetch around half a million dollars, an estimate we can see it blowing right past. Us? We're just hoping that BMW itself decides to bid on the car so that this Stella M1 can rejoin its celebrated relatives in the German automaker's collection.

If you're in New York and want to catch a glimpse at this one-of-a-kind rolling work of art, it's currently on display outside Bonhams' offices in the atrium of the IBM Building at 56th and Madison.

Follow the jump for the official press release and scope out the images in the gallery below.

Continue reading BMW M1 art car by Frank Stella headed for the auction block

BMW M1 art car by Frank Stella headed for the auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's M division releases more details, images of upcoming 1 Series M Coupe

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW 1 Series M Coupe teasers - Click above for image gallery

Fans of the original BMW M3 might not be enamored by the current V8 model, but the upcoming 1 Series M Coupe promises to bring it back to the source. The Bavarian automaker has released new information on the more compact M ahead of its full release in December ahead of the Detroit Auto Show where it'll be finally revealed to the public.

The 1 Series M Coupe packs a 340-horsepower version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six from the Z4 sDrive35iS in a package weighing about 3,300 pounds, with power fed to the wheels exclusively through a six-speed manual. This a departure from the "bare-bones" M3 GTS that packs a dual-clutch gearbox.

Pricing is slated to come in between those of the existing 135i and M3, placing it somewhere around the $45k mark. Click below to check out the updated gallery of teaser images, including some new swirly ones.

Gallery: BMW 1M Coupe teasers

[Source: BMW M division]

BMW's M division releases more details, images of upcoming 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above to view the video after the jump

The achingly slow striptease of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe continues with a 47-second-long spot of the camo-clad coupe bearing just enough sheetmetal to keep us interested.

The multi-spoke wheels, drilled discs and quad-exhausts are the only elements not left to the imagination, but the extra vinyl aft of the front wheels is sure to hiding a set of M-style fender vents while a ducktail spoiler is fitted out back.

As for mechanicals, the smart money is still on an upgraded twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), channeling over 335 horsepower through a manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M differential.

We're hearing rumblings that the Coupe could be unveiled at next week's Oktoberfest BMWCCA event in Wisconsin, but in the meantime, check out the latest teaser after the jump and scope the first vid in our previous post. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Continue reading Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser

Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW M1/135is to go on sale in Q2 of 2011

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M1/1 Series M spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's certainly no secret that BMW is working on a high-powered version of the darling 1 Series coupe. After all, we've seen different mules and prototypes testing on many, many, many occasions. And while the speculation continues as to what the end result will be called (M1? 1M? 135is?), executives within BMW's M division have reportedly confirmed that the car will go on sale in the second quarter of next year.

Regardless of nomenclature, we're pretty stoked over what this potent little 1 Series will bring to the table, and we wonder how it'll fare compared to BMW's grandaddy M3. If the 2011 Q2 on-sale date is to be believed, we won't be surprised if the production car debuts at either the Paris or Los Angeles show later this year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M1/1 Series M

[Source: 1addicts.com]

Report: BMW M1/135is to go on sale in Q2 of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Hi-Po BMW 1 Series prototype flashes quad tailpipes to camera

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW 1 series M prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems every time we catch a glimpse of BMW's upcoming high performance 1 Series, more details are revealed. Up until now, all of the mules and prototypes have had only two exhaust pipes. In contrast, the newest car to get caught on camera now has four pipes. Why is this significant? Because four pipes are one of the characteristic features of all M models.

This four-piped addition seems to indicate that this car will, in fact, earn that coveted M badge. We still don't know exactly what the widebody 1 will be called, of course, and we are leaning toward 1 Series M, something such as 1xx M (as in 140 M) is not out of the question.

If this mystery car is a 1xx M, we would expect the higher output engine to get a designation correspondingly higher than the current top 135 in keeping with BMW's sort-of-power-related naming convention. We still don't know when this car will debut, but sometime during the next auto show season seems probable.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW M1 / 1M with quad pipes

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Hi-Po BMW 1 Series prototype flashes quad tailpipes to camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

BMW 1 Series M prototype on the 'Ring - Click above to watch the video after the break

The BMW 1 Series M is getting ever closer to production, and what appears to be a real production prototype has made its first appearance at the "Green Hell." The previously seen tacked-on rear fender flares of the previous mules have been discarded in favor of enhanced sheet metal. All of the metal from the side character line is covered in the standard-issue BMW swirly prototype wrap. Based on the new nose, this car has some serious air ingestion requirements as evidenced by the large openings below the bumper.

Within the wheels, the BMW engineers have wasted none of the available space, filling the fronts with as much brake hardware as could be squeezed in with only slightly less going into the back corners.

If the production car sounds like what we hear in the video after the jump, driving this 1 M/M1/135is/whatever will be a glorious audio experience. Tip of the hat to Luis!

[Source: 1addicts.com]

Continue reading Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring

Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots and Video: BMW M1/1 Series M laps the 'Ring

Zach Bowman — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW M1/1 Series M - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a good week for nabbing peeks at upcoming German metal and the latest shots to come out of Deutschland include the first clear pics of the hopped up BMW 1-Series. And not only do we have stills, but we've got video to prove it, too. While no one knows exactly what to call the car just yet, it's clear the tiny coupe will pack some firepower when it finally hits the streets. Need proof? Set your eyes on that outrageously wide rear axle.

The 'roided-out 1er was spotted while making laps of the Nurburgring, and wears a set of rear fender flares that do their best to hide beefy rear tires. The keen-eyed will also be able to pick out quite a bit of additional body work on the car, including a new front fascia that borrows elements from the current M3.

Right now, there's no word on what we can expect in the engine bay, though a modified version of the new single-turbo inline-six found in the 135i would be a pretty good bet. The better news is that BMW has already promised a limited-slip rear to show up in the new model. Hit the jump to see the video and check out the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M1/1 Series M

[Video: BMW Blog | Images: CarPix]

Continue reading Spy Shots and Video: BMW M1/1 Series M laps the 'Ring

Spy Shots and Video: BMW M1/1 Series M laps the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Need for Speed SHIFT Exotic Racing Series DLC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Playstation3 gamers: If you were disappointed that only XBox 360 players got the Ferrari DLC package for Need for Speed SHIFT, take heart, because the next one's got your name on it, too. The Exotic Racing Series pack is being released by EA for both platforms (though not for PC, PSP or mobile platforms) on March 18, with some of the most alluring machinery this side of Maranello.

Included in the downloadable content package are the McLaren MP4-12C and SLR Stirling Moss, the Alfa 8C Competizione and Maserati GranTurismo S, BMW M1 Procar, Gumpert Apollo and Acura NSX. The DLC costs $10 (or equivalent points) on either XBox Live or PlayStation Network, and also includes an array of new events and track layouts. Video and press release after the jump, screen shots in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Andrey!

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT Exotic Racing Series DLC

[Source: EA via rpmgo.com]

Continue reading Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video]

Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details about rumored hotted-up BMW 1 Series surface

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

Technical details of BMW's coming M1 have leaked before and the important bits are these: Aluminum, twin-turbo six-cylinder, 350 horsepower, 310-plus pound-feet of torque, six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, electronically-controlled rear M differential and around 3,300 pounds. Now details on the car's appearance are bursting through the cracks and the mods aim to separate this from lesser 1-er siblings by including a trapezoidal central grille, two lateral intakes, different headlights, a "ducktail" integrated rear spoiler and the quad pipes standard on all Ms.

A host of the changes serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. The six-piston brakes up front are getting a lot of attention, which is part of the reason for the reshaped grille up front as well as lip spoilers above the brake duct inlets. The track has been increased front and rear, which will necessitate new wheel arches. Up top will be a carbon fiber roof to lower the center of gravity and down low will be ducts in the rear diffuser for better aerodynamics. When we finally do see it next year, the whole package will sit on two choices of 18-inch wheels: Standard or Competition.

[Source: 1 Addicts]

More details about rumored hotted-up BMW 1 Series surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Details on 2011 BMW "M1" trickle out

Michael Harley — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW 1 Series Tii Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

A BMW 1 Series Coupe, tweaked by the company's M-Technik division, is reportedly under development for UK release in mid-2011. Destined to slot beneath the M3 Coupe, the smaller 1 Series Coupe is said to feature a modified twin-turbocharged six-cylinder packing 350 horsepower. The aluminum engine will be mated to a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox with an electronically-controlled rear M differential. With a curb weight of just over 3,300 pounds and easily making more than 310 lb-ft of torque, the newest M-car will breeze past 60 mph in well under five seconds without breaking a sweat (for comparison's sake, BMW claims the 135i takes 5.2 seconds but publications like Car and Driver have hit 60 mph in the 4.7-second range)

The 1 Series Motorsport variant will reportedly retain the current car's standard MacPherson struts up front and the multi-link rear configuration, but the division's engineers have fitted firmer springs and dampers (and new bushings) to improve handling. Lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels complete the hardware package. Cosmetically, the so-called "M1" will wear an M division body kit with a new front spoiler, flared wheel arches, larger side sills, a rear spoiler and an aggressive rear valance with four M-signature chrome exhaust tips.

The name is still not finalized. Understandably, BMW is hesitant to quickly slap the "M1" label on the rear decklid as that name originally adorned the company's legendary road supercar in the late 1970s. Destined to become the M division's most affordable model, we really don't care what BMW calls it... just send it to our shores.

[Sources: Autocar; Car and Driver]

Report: Details on 2011 BMW "M1" trickle out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo?

Alex Nunez — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:48:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, BMW

BMW M1 in camouflage - Click above to watch the video

For the life of us, we can't figure this. BMWblog has posted a video of what surely looks like an O.G. BMW M1, dressed up in that ubiquitous swirlydelic camouflage du jour and parked on a Munich street. It's either a very clever gag being put on by someone, or something potentially awesome is afoot. Either way, we can dig it. See for yourselves after the jump. Thanks to Mike S. for the tip!

[Source: YouTube via BMWblog]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo?

VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, BMW

BMW Concept 1 Series tii - Click above for high-res image gallery

Successive generations of the BMW M3 have come a long way since the original, with a skyrocketing curb weight and an ever-climbing price tag. The new M3 GTS may have done a lot to counter the former, although sadly it only further escalated the latter. But enthusiasts take heart, because someone's on the case. Fortunately, that someone is Dr. Kay Segler, head of Munich's famous M division.

According to reports, Segler and his team are pushing the beancounters to give them the authorization to make an M-tuned 1 Series. While the twin-turbo 135i is touted by many as a closer successor to the original M3 than the current M3, he feels there's more that can be done.

Unfortunately, Segler is talking about the next-generation 1 Series, so even if approved, it'd be a while before any future M-tuned 1 hits the road. If and when it does, however, it could take aim at the Audi S3 with a 330-horsepower version of the Bavarian automaker's new TwinPower engine. As for naming schemes, they may have to get a little creative to avoid confusion with the original M1 supercar.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW working on 'green' M1 supercar to rival Audi R8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Will the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that BMW debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this month spawn a production eco-friendly supercar from the German automaker? According to Auto Express, the answer is yes, and the U.K. publication is projecting that the new green M1 will be ready for sale in 2012.

Naturally, the heart of this rumor-spec supercar is a hybrid powertrain similar to the one shown off in Frankfurt. A turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine displacing 1.5-liters would be used in conjunction with a pair of electric motors providing all-wheel drive capabilities. The run to 60 mph would theoretically take less than five seconds and top speed would reportedly be capped at 155 mph.

Other unique bits that were introduced on the Vision Concept that could potentially make it into production include active aerodynamic elements that allow for an excellent .22 coefficient of drag. An unknown source tells AE that the car's hybrid powertrain, dual clutch gearbox (pulled from the M3) and aluminum-intensive chassis are all "ready for the road."

If there's any truth to this rumor, the new eco-friendly M1 successor would be marketed as a rival to the Audi R8 and would potentially hit the market with a price well north of $100,000. We'll see.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: BMW working on 'green' M1 supercar to rival Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW debuting sustainable sports car concept in Frankfurt

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Europe, Technology, BMW

BMW M1 Hommage - Click above for high-res image gallery

Busy, busy. BMW starts the day by leaving F1. And it looks like for lunch they're bringing a green sports car to the Frankfurt Auto Show. Maybe. According to Autotelegraf.nl, the new sustainable sports car concept will be inspired by the BMW M1 Hommage concept and will feature all the latest and greatest BMW EfficientDynamics (auto stop/start, regenerative brakes, electric powersteering, etc). But the hits don't stop there -- look for the concept to be built from sustainable materials, too. Big question: will this car be just a concept, or will a sustainable sports car actually make its way to dealers? Dunno. But the Dutch word is that BMW is studying the viability of said project and is planning on a limited release two-door showcasing their best environmental kung fu by 2012. Again, we just don't know, and we're not quite willing to hold our breath yet.

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

[Source: Autotelegraf.nl via Motor Authority]

REPORT: BMW debuting sustainable sports car concept in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Reports: Next BMW 1 Series could spawn Super Sport version

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

You can't please everybody. Customers complain that the current BMW 1 Series is too small, while others say it's too heavy. Some want it to offer more space, while others want it to be sportier. You can't please everybody, but BMW is evidently going to try.

Although the next version of the compact 1 Series is expected, as most new models are, to grow in size, BMW is also reportedly planning a lightweight two-door sport model. Referred to in the interim as the 1 Series Super Sport (to avoid confusion with the original mid-engine M1 exotic), the hot 1 would be a spiritual successor to the '60s-era 2002 (pictured above) and the original '80s-era M3. Motivation could be provided by a turbo- or supercharged four-cylinder driving as much as 300 horsepower through a dual-clutch gearbox, coupled with all the electronic bells and whistles of modern day BMWs for a 0-60 sprint in five seconds flat. With those kind of stats, we hope this is one of those rumors that turns out to be true.

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]

More Reports: Next BMW 1 Series could spawn Super Sport version originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 1 Series tii concept

According to a report originally posted at Germancarzone and then repeated at BMW Blog, a certain Bavarian automaker is currently working on a new performance version of its 1 Series. Although it wouldn't be called an M1 -- since that moniker is reserved for supercar status -- the so-called 135i SuperSports would get a bunch of improvements, consisting mostly of lightweight body panels, a decontented interior, as well as an upgraded suspension and brake package. Power is said to come from the latest version of BMW's outstanding 3.0L turbocharged inline-six that's rated at 326-horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 2009 7 Series.

We wouldn't be surprised to see the upgraded engine migrate down the line from its placement under the hood of the latest flagship, but we're a bit dubious that an upcoming lightweight SuperSports edition will see daylight beyond that. We'd rather see the 1 Series get these light weight mods (in a tii model perhaps?) along with a smaller four cylinder engine option, complete with a price that's a bit easier to swallow than the current model. We're also still holding out hope for the 123d.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: Germancarzone via BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1979 BMW M1... wow

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, BMW

Click above for gallery of the 1979 BMW M1

One of the rarest of (relatively) modern BMWs is the M1. Back in the mid-1970s, the gang in Munich were tired of Porsche getting all the glory in sports car racing with its 911-based 934 and 935. BMW decided to design a car specifically to compete in Group 4 and 5 racing against those Porsches, and because Group 4 required that a minimum of 400 road going cars be built for homologation, BMW designed the race car and then changed only what was necessary to make the car acceptable for the street. Unfortunately, by the time they got the 400 cars built, competition was already moving on and few M1s were ever raced.

BMW did build a small run of cars based on the Group 4 spec car for an ~~all-steer~~ all-star series called ProCar that was ran in conjunction with some F1 races, and the 3.5L twin-cam 24-valve inline-six eventually found a home in the first generation M5 and M6. Some of the 456 road cars were later converted to replicas of the ProCar machines, including one that has popped up on eBay this week. As of this writing, the bidding is at $140,000 and the Buy it Now price is a mere $189,000. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Gallery: BMW M1 "ProCar" on eBay

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 1979 BMW M1... wow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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