It won’t be called M1 though, because that name seemingly has to remain sacred to the mid-engined M1 from over thirty years ago. But why - it’s not like many people would confuse the two cars? Perhaps BMW still harbours the dream of building a true successor to the original M1 sometime in the future?
So, given that the M1-which-isn’t-an-M1 is to be based on the 302 bhp (306 PS / 225 kW) 135i M Sport Coupe, maybe it’ll be named M135i instead.
There are no details yet about possible power outputs, performance, or whether the car will incorporate weight-saving measures such as the carbon fibre roof panel seen on the M3 Coupe.
BMW already kind of produces a hotter version of the 135i though, courtesy of its retro-fit BMW Performance product line. With the engine tuning kit fitted, for example, power is boosted to 323 bhp (326 PS / 240 kW), while maximum torque rises from 400 to 450 Nm. It’s claimed that this improves 0 to 62 mph acceleration by 0.2 seconds and, more importantly, reduces the 50 mph to 75 mph time by 0.5 seconds in fifth gear. The price is just over £1,200 in the UK, plus fitting charges.
With other BMW Performance modifications including air intake and silencer systems, improved brakes and uprated suspension components, the challenge will be differentiating the ‘M135i’ sufficiently, without running the risk of stealing potential M3 sales.
