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 M1 successor still on track, to be called M8

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

Automobile has taken a look into the medium-term future product plans of the German automakers, and one of the interesting nuggets is that BMW is still working on an M8. An updated BMW M1 has been a fantasy since the last of the 456 original M1s rolled off the line in 1981, and we're told that the coming M8 will finally be the proper successor.

Apparently there's still some conflict to be worked through: company CEO Norbert Reithofer isn't exactly sold on it, whereas M Division president Friedrich Nitschke "doesn't take no for an answer." If you'll remember, the 1 Series M Coupe had to leap the same hurdles, the BMW brass not smitten with the business-case numbers, but Kay Segler, M Division president at the time, pushed it through. And we saw how well that worked out.

BMW's M8 Is on the Way, Come Hell or High Water

Another German supercar in the making is the BMW M8. Previously known as the M1, this car is believed to be the halo model that BMW will pull out of the bag to celebrate its centenary in 2016. Chairman Norbert Reithofer, who is not known as a sports car aficionado, views this project with mixed feelings. Having recently decided that the next-generation 1- and 2-series will be built on a new front-/all-wheel-drive matrix, the big boss is reluctant to give a green light to a V-8-powered tarmac peeler.

But Friedrich Nitschke, who runs the M division, doesn't take no for an answer - even if it means tweaking the project so that the M8 can share the carbon-fiber-and-aluminum underpinnings of the super-frugal i8. This approach could kill two birds with one stone by creating significant economies of scale and by giving the 600-hp sports car a weight advantage over its more conventional rivals.

On a lesser scale, Reithofer has personally sealed the fate of the on-off-on Z2 roadster. Apparently the numbers did not work out, and there is not much time left for a compact, rear-wheel-drive platform, which will be mothballed in 2021. If a small, open-top BMW does materialize, it will be front-wheel drive and pooled with an open-top Mini. The Z4 will get a new lease on life, but since the segment is in free fall, the third-generation version needs to combine the existing folding hardtop with a redesigned body and interior.

BMW's M8 Is on the Way, Come Hell or High Water

Automobile posits that Nitschke could put the M8 on the same carbon fiber and aluminum platform as the BMW i8, saving money on the architecture and getting a head start on weight reduction. It's taken 30 years of dreaming to get us this close, and along the way and only recently we've seen concepts like the BMW M1 Hommage (above), and before that a rumored twin-turbo V10 with 625 horsepower, as well as a gentler, greener two-seat Z10 ED with a twin-turbo six cylinder and 400 hp. Just one year ago BMW told us, "We've discussed these possibilities. But ultimately, we didn't feel the need to make a very exclusive high-end supercar and we still don't." Let's hope that this time Nitschke can close the deal.

BMW M1 successor still on track, to be called M8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: BMW celebrates 40 years of M

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, BMW, Luxury

When we think of the BMW M division, the 1978 M1 comes instantly to mind, followed by the E30 M3 and then the 2001-2002 M Coupe. But the company's in-house hot rod shop actually dates back to 1972, when it was formed as a subsidiary to manage the company's racing operations, dubbed BMW Motorsport.

It was this month 40 years ago that what is known today as BMW M GmbH was launched. So to celebrate its anniversary, BMW has offloaded some 50 lustworthy images celebrating that performance history. See them all in our gallery.

Pics Aplenty: BMW celebrates 40 years of M originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M5 quicker than 1 M Coupe quicker than M3

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury

Autobild recently set out to settle the question of which M vehicle is the fastest in the BMW stable at the moment. Not surprisingly, the German enthusiast publication found the BMW M3 CRT to be the quickest around the Sachsenring, setting the magazine's fastest time around the track with a 1:38.37 minute lap time. That's impressive, but not nearly as astounding as the time drummed up by the new BMW M5. The portly sedan did the same deed in 1:38.90, or just three hundredths of a second slower than the special-edition M3.

And what of the sibling rivalry between the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the standard M3? As it turns out, the magazine's shoes have given the nod to the smaller of the two coupes. The 1 Series M Coupe barely eked out a win over the M3, though the M3 Convertible took nearly two extra seconds to make it around the course than its hardtop twin.

BMW M5 quicker than 1 M Coupe quicker than M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember the BMW supercar that M Division wanted to build? Not gonna happen

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

For at least two years, BMW has been teasing the idea of making a supercar, the kind that would glare with laser headlights at the Audi R8 and say, "Yeah, I'm lookin' at you." Way back in early 2008, the car was rumored to be a twin-turbo V10 with 625 horsepower. A year later, it was going to be the gentler, greener two-seat Z10 ED with a twin-turbo six cylinder and 400 hp. A year later still, the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder, hybrid i8 inherited the green supercar mantle.

But just two months ago, the head of product development at BMW's M division said he wanted a car to fight the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a pure M-car developed totally in-house (as was the case with the AMG). But an interview given by M's North American product manager Matthew Russell points to the door having closed on that when he said, "We've discussed these possibilities. But ultimately, we didn't feel the need to make a very exclusive high-end supercar and we still don't." So there.

Perhaps more importantly, in reference to the M3 and M5, Russell believes that M already makes supercars, albeit of a certain type: "we like to build two cars in one: this is what M does. Nobody offers that perfect combination of a driver's car and an executive car that you can use everyday. So technically, we already build supercars." As fellow Autoblog contributor Matt Davis noted, however, we're of the mind that while those are super cars, they're not supercars.

Click the link for the rest of Russell's thoughts, though not before sparing a moment to say auf wiedersehen to the M1 Hommage. It will always live on in our high-res image gallery...

Remember the BMW supercar that M Division wanted to build? Not gonna happen originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:31:00 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 pondering special edition 1M Coupe?

Steven J. Ewing — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW will officially unveil the 2012 1 Series M Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and while we've already driven a prototype of this hot new 1 Series, we're indeed excited to see the production-ready car in person. As if the hotted-up 1 wasn't potent enough, with around 345horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (official power numbers haven't yet been confirmed), reports are starting to crop up about an even more hardcore 1 Series M. Our friend Jon Sibal has spoken to BMW about the possibility of a lighter, faster 1M, and he offers up the rendering above - a CSL-ified coupe.

Yes, we're licking our chops at the idea of a race-ready 1 Series M Coupe CSL, and it's good to know that BMW hasn't quite ruled out the idea. In speaking with Sibal, BMW says that initial customer reaction to the 1M will determine the need for a GTS/CSL-type car, as well as potential droptop version. "We have a cabrio unofficially," says BMW.

The 1 Series M Coupe is expected to be produced through the summer of 2012 until the next-generation 1 Series hits the market, and when it comes to the possibility of a 1M CSL, consider our hands raised. Head over to Jon Sibal's website for a high-res version of this drool-worthy rendering.

[Source: JonSibal.com]

BMW pondering special edition 1M Coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A behind-the-scenes look inside the BMW Classic warehouse

Michael Harley — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Europe, BMW

BMW Classic in Munich - Click above for high-res image gallery

Located just a short distance from the BMW Museum and Welt (famous as the company's European delivery center) in Munich, Germany, is BMW Classic. According to the German automaker, "BMW Classic coordinates all activities that are connected with the company's varied and successful history covering everything from the historical archives, assortment of aeroplanes, communication, the museum and BMW's role in the international club scene." In a nutshell, BMW Classic is tasked with archiving, restoring and preserving the company's ninety-year manufacturing history.

Earlier this year, the BMW Classic Center opened its doors to the public offering a full range of classic parts, restoration services and vehicle authentication. While local dealerships will continue to stock late model parts and accessories, BMW Classic is tasked with keeping an inventory part supply for vehicles (including motorcycles) that are generally more than fifteen years old. Not only are 30,000-plus components kept on hand, but the tooling that is relevant for subsequent fabrication is held at the facility as well. In addition, there are on-site restoration services, using 100 percent original parts, upholstery and paint, at prices that are very competitive to local shops (especially when you consider that BMW Classic Center is a one-stop shop for a turn-key restoration process).

While the downstairs shop area is in a constant flurry of activity, the multi-story warehouse - where much of the really good stuff is stored - is unfortunately closed to the public. However, thanks to a special invite, Autoblog was recently escorted on a private behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.

Viewed from the outside, the building is nothing spectacular. Yet, hidden inside its concrete walls are several floors of immaculately restored and preserved engines, motorcycles and automobiles. In addition to some of the company's most classic offerings, such as the BMW 507 and BMW 328, we stumbled over Isetta microcars and mint-condition 2002 race cars. We found the famed E53 X5 fitted with a V12 LMR powerplant (the 700 horsepower SUV clocked a record-setting 7:49 lap around Nürburgring at the hands of Hans Stuck nearly a decade ago) and a pristine street-ready McLaren F1 (parked yards away from its race-ready F1 GTR siblings). Look past the James Bond's genuine E38 7 Series (with highly-custom rear-seat driving controls), and you will see the fluorescent orange nose of the 1972 BMW Turbo Concept - the vehicle that inspired the BMW M1, arriving just five years later.

Our favorite has got to be an unassuming 1987 E32 7 Series, (aka the "Goldfish" 767), fitted with a prototype 6.7-liter V16 rated at 408 horsepower. The only hint to its potency are custom gill-like air intakes on each rear quarter panel - its massive engine is so long that the engineers were forced to move its cooling system to the trunk.

Take a long look through our extensive gallery, and let us know which ones are your favorites.

Gallery: BMW Classic Warehouse

A behind-the-scenes look inside the BMW Classic warehouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:58:00 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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BMW 1 Series M Coupe to physically debut in Detroit, already emotionally debuted in our hearts

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The highly-anticipated BMW 1 Series M Coupe can't arrive fast enough. Roundel fans are calling it a return to BMW's driver-focused roots, and the lightened 1 Series with more power and a manual gearbox is aimed squarely at people who want a focused experience behind the wheel. So when's it arriving? According to the first round of prototype driving reports, the newest M car will debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January.

After it's big reveal, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe will be brought to market in May and according to previous reports just 2,700 examples will be produced with the largest allocation coming to the U.S. If you plan on buying one, you won't have trouble choosing a color since there are just three options; Alpine White, Jet Black and Valencia Orange Metallic.

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

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Continue reading BMW 1 Series M Coupe to physically debut in Detroit, already emotionally debuted in our hearts

BMW 1 Series M Coupe to physically debut in Detroit, already emotionally debuted in our hearts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe shows off its insides

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST

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

In true BMW new model roll-out fashion, the hype surrounding the hotter 1 Series M Coupe has been exceedingly well documented. We've spied the car out testing, BMW has shown us videos of the prototypes and now the folks at 1addicts.com have snapped some shots of the M-badged 1's interior, showing a host of upgrades that stand true to the car's beefed up dynamics.

Changes to the 1 Series interior include items like more supportive sport seats, a smaller-diameter steering wheel (from the M3) and two-tone instrument cluster gauges. What's more, we can see the integration of BMW's latest iDrive system in the 1 Coupe, but our favorite part is indeed the fact that a manual gearbox is in place. Dual-clutch setups are nice, but we love being able to shift for ourselves.

In addition to these spy shots, we've also come across the first in-car test video of the 1 Series M Coupe, showing what sort of prowess this little hottie has out on the track. Stop teasing us, BMW - we're ready to conduct our own evaluation. Looking for more shots of the interior? Visit our friends at 1addicts using the link below.

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

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

[Source: 1addicts]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe shows off its insides originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED]

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:36:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

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

We've waited a long time for this. And not just for the official name. BMW has released the first teaser video of its upcoming 1 Series M Coupe and "excited" doesn't begin to describe how we're feeling.

The video after the jump is devoid of hard details, but it confirms what we've seen in countless spy shots and the rumors that have made the rounds for nearly a year.

Early reports indicate that the twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54) in the standard 135i will be upgraded to 335 horsepower, with the M Coupe's newfound grunt channeled through a six-speed ~~dual-clutch~~ manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M rear differential. The results are a 0-60 time of around 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Naturally, firmer springs, dampers and bushings are part of the package, along with lightweight 18-inch wheels and a full body kit consisting of a new fascia, flared wheel arches, larger side sills, rear diffuser and a small spoiler. Being an M-fettled product, expect a quad-tipped exhaust to reside out back and - judging by previous spy shots and the official video - BMW's trademark fender vents.

BMW kindly requests you to register at M-Power.com for more details and to sign up for an exclusive test drive. The rub: it's only open to "German and Austrian" drivers. Here's hoping that unjust regionalism doesn't extend to sales when the 1 Series M Coupe hit dealers in the second quarter of 2011.

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

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

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW M1 / 1 M / 135is / 135 tii

Continue reading Video: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED]

Video: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:36:00 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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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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REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s)

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW

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

Audi has the mid-engined R8 (now available with a 525-horsepower V10). Mercedes-Benz now has the AMG SLS (with more power than the R8 - 563 horses). BMW has... a 500-horsepower V10 in a 4,000 pounds M6. Not exactly competitive in the supercar department these days. Well, according to everyone's favorite British Buff Book (EVO), BMW will be releasing a new supercar. Probably something resembling a mashup between the M1 Homage Concept and the Vision EfficientDynamics Hybrid Concept. However, it might not be called M1. Or, it might be.

Here's the thing - BMW is also believed to be working on a buffed out, super version of the 135i (based on the Tii Concept) that semi-logically could be called the M1. Check out the supposed stats on this little puppy: a reworked twin-turbo 3.0-liter motor good for 400 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, a 150 pound weight reduction, seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, the M3's suspension and torque-vectoring rear end. Where do we sign up?

The issue is that some people within BMW feel the semi-sacred M1 moniker should be reserved only for a car that replaces the 1978 M1, the first car BMW's Motorsports Division ever made (even if Lamborghini played a roll). They do have a point, as among us gearhead types the M1 is a pretty reverential piece of machinery. However, what would you call an M-caliber 1 Series?

Autoblog's advice is this: nothing's sacred. Call the hopped-up 135i the M1. No one cares except for a few old timers within BMW and a few fanatics on the outside. Besides, the aforementioned old timers have sat idly by as the fabled M Division has arguably diluted its once lofty rep by releasing the X5 M and X6 M. It's all water (and money) under the bridge anyhow. And by freeing themselves from this false dilemma (because really, who cares?), BMW is free to name the new supercar the M8.

Failing that, just name the mighty 1 Series the Tii (confusing almost everyone) and reserve M1 for a proper supercar. We don't really mind, as long as both cars go on sale. And no matter the name, it sounds like the range-topping 1 Series should see the light of day in 2011 and the new supercar - which will pair BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with two electric motors - should come online around 2012. Color us excited.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: EVO]

REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 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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