Interesting post on a 1er forum.
The discussion was around a possible M1 variant on the horizon.
The quote from a marketing insider also relates to the Z4......
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scott works as some sort of marketing graphics designer for bmw out of munich. hes not specifically working on the coupe presentation but is working on presentations for the 1er Cabrio, MINI Clubman, M3 cabrio and X6. to be honest im sure he says more than hes supposed to so dont expect him to give you his resume and office phone number. he is in the know, at least more so than you or i - and his track record is good.
and speaking of which i paraphrased this quote earlier in this thread but this is a post of his from the beginning of april. pretty good for a time when none of us had any idea whats going on wouldnt you say?
there will be an M1, mark my (scotts?) words.
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Originally Posted by SCOTT26
As we are officially in the approach path of the new BMW 1er Coupe.
There are 4 Core reasons why there is a strategy that exists for a BMW M1 Coupe.
One.- With the M3 Coupe now inheriting a V8 and moving up a segment. Their is belief that there is space for a BMW M1 Coupe and the 1er looks set to be the occupant for this vacancy. BMW engineers are in no denial about having something "back to basics" a very hardcore driving experience with a high revving engine sufficient power and astounding dynamics .
Two.- With the BMW 1er Coupe being developed for certain key markets such as North America and Canada , BMW need a car with the Halo effect to sell the image of the BMW 1er Coupe. it is no secret that customers begin from the basic models and work themselves to the top of BMW's product list - effectively by having an aspiring model that provides the halo effect to the rest of the range. That is the key to successful marketing - A BMW M car has a very profound effect thanks to it's status , desirability and image on the other models of BMW's model range. A BMW M1 Coupe is entirely essential in order for the 1er to win over the North American and Canadian market and the these markets would certainly require an M model of the BMW 1er coupe.
Three.- It is an opportunity far too great to miss. A return to a dynamic , entertaining and fun compact performance car in the vain of the classic E30 M3.
All BMW Coupes from the 3er to the 6er have come in an M variant. And plans are much proceeding in the direction for a BMW M1 Coupe.
Four . Until the next generation model arrives The M1 Will effectively replace the current Z4M Coupe . By late 2008 the next generation Z4 will be about to enter production for first market North American sales. As a last finale current Z4 M Coupe will receive the V8 engine from the M3 . Until the next Coupe arrives on the market.
The M1 will plug the gap until the next generation models arrive more in likely with the BMW M3's V8.
One of the earliest strategies was when the V10 was being used to develop the new BMW M3 V8 engine that they considered using the V8 to develop the engine for the M1 Coupe. Unrealistically this would be a V6 but this was quickly dismissed as BMW does not pose a healthy attitude to V6 engines instead enjoying the smooth transition of power you can only get with six-cylinder power.
The new engine under development heralds from a new magnesium block evolved from the engine of the previous BMW M3 and the current BMW Z4M Coupe and Roadster.
As the engine does not incorporate areas of technology BMW are keen to utilise in their "Efficient Dynamics" programme. Basically it is technology that was not considered when that engine was first conceived in the mid nineties.
The Old engine effectively gets a rebuild to utilise modern energy management technology and achieve stringent emission targets.
As well as a manual to really emphasize the passion of the "drivers M3" The E30 The M1 will also be available with the incoming ZSG gear box technology. The engine output is expected to be around 350 PS - development mules have already hit the streets.
Effectively BMW need this car to stabilise the image of the lower Coupe and Cabrio models especially in the North American and Canadian market.
The BMW M1 Coupe will certainly inherit some of it's toned looks and technologies seen with the other M cars available and ones around the corner. BMW always stress that it's M Division cars are not just tuned-up performance versions of the top end luxury models. every M car is different from steering to handling to chassis tuning and performance. An Mcar is greater than the sum of it's parts.
The BMW M1 will follow these ideals by also offering cutting edge developments such as the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic roof , lightweight body panels and aerodynamic M styling treatment. With styling taking a cue with the new BMW M3 Coupe but with the front appearance becoming more angular with a trapese shape for the central intake.
Initially available as only a Coupe and a Convertible BMW are seriously considering throwing the 3dr hatch into the mix - Although if greenlighted this would be for European/Asian markets only.
Until such a car as the M1 arrives in the meantime BMW will offer a Ltd edition 135i M-Sport - Confined to only the Coupe and 3dr Hatch only this will be the gap until the M1 comes along. To emphasize the sporting credentials of the Coupe the base petrol model will be the 120 Si using the four cylinder petrol engine that was in the limited edition BMW 320Si WTCC Car.
Additionally BMW will eventually offer the BMW/PSA co-operation of the incoming four cylinder Turbo charged model . Although the collaboration has frightened many there is nothing to be apprehensive about - Both companies applie their special requirements and "magic" to their project.
With the BMW project promising "best in it's class" credentials - BMW engine development engineers just don't like winning many awards for nothing.
The same goes for diesel - Now equally well renowned for their diesel powerplants as well as their petrol powered powerplants BMW will again offer the cream of diesel power including the latest 204HP diesel in the 125d.
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