To ring in Super Bowl Sunday we bring you a short video via M-Power about what makes M cars so great. Balance. As is shown by the 1M, balance is more important than 0-60 sprints or top speed. It is the corners that shave seconds off of lap times and what truly matter.

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After a long day of interviews at the North American International Auto Show Todd and Matt caught up with BMWNA’s M Boss Matthew Russell with an impromptu interview that covered a range of topics. First up we talk 3 Series and the fact that the NAIAS this year is all about 3er. But then we quickly move onto the M5 and why Mr. Russell loves the X5M but thinks the M5 is hands-down the best car in the world.

Then things move onto the 1M and Todd asked the big question; will we ever see a 1M again? Mr. Russell clearly admits that M took notice of the excitement around the 1M but no promises have or will be made any time soon.

What about the US Alpina range that Russell also heads? Will we see something more than a B7 that’s currently in the US market? Russell would like to see some new offerings – especially something like the diesel powered D3. There’s also clearly more that can be done on the 5 and 6 series platform and Russell doesn’t want to rule anything there either. But at this time there’s nothing to confirm.

It’s a quick show but one we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

On the coat tails of today’s big announcement about M Performance Automobiles’s this video interview Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH reviews the success of 2011 and gives a glimpse into 2012. Having had some great conversations with Dr. Nitschke in the past, he like his predecessor Dr. Kay Segler, has a great passion for BMW and M cars. In our discussions last year he emphatically believed that the 400 plus engineers working at M have something to offer the automotive enthusiast other brands just can’t match.

This new line of cars provides those engineers the ability to serve more customers with products that offer great performance but that are not the full on focussed M offerings (or as expensive). Some may feel this is watering down of the brand M but in reality this is M returning to its roots of offering more performance above the base car while still building the more focussed products of today such as the M3, and M5 for the most demanding customers.

The European market should see two models introduced at Geneva- the X6 M550d and the M135i.We reached to to Matthew Russell, BMWNA M Brand Manager, to see how this announcement impacts the US. He informed us that this announcement will not impact the US market within the near future.

It’s been rumored for months and now it’s being officially teased ahead of its world debut. The M550d power plant will be M’s first foray into diesel engines and one of the very view times M has powered a non-M product.

Full video and details after the break

Last summer we first told you M potentially getting more involved in diesel power plants. Now have official proof that it’s coming with it’s tri-turbo inline six producing 381 hp and 516 lb-ft.

According to our sources the engine will also show up in the refreshed X6 (seen above) and the 6 Series Gran Coupe. But the real interesting story to us is that M has actually been involved with the development of this power plant from the beginning. BMW M has always been known as the master of petrol performance and has rarely ever (if ever) dabbled in diesel. Alpina, has produced and continues to produce some legendary diesel engines and of course Audi and Peugeot have had storied race careers with oil burners. M getting into the diesel business is big news, whether it ever leads to a pure M diesel or not.

Whether or not this engine will be federalized for US sales is still a mystery.

It’s been rumored for months and now it’s being officially teased ahead of its world debut. The M550d power plant will be M’s first foray into diesel engines and one of the very view times M has powered a non-M product.

Full video and details after the break

Last summer we first told you M potentially getting more involved in diesel power plants. Now have official proof that it’s coming with it’s tri-turbo inline six producing 381 hp and 516 lb-ft.

According to our sources the engine will also show up in the refreshed X6 (seen above) and the 6 Series Gran Coupe. But the real interesting story to us is that M has actually been involved with the development of this power plant from the beginning. BMW M has always been known as the master of petrol performance and has rarely ever (if ever) dabbled in diesel. Alpina, has produced and continues to produce some legendary diesel engines and of course Audi and Peugeot have had storied race careers with oil burners. M getting into the diesel business is big news, whether it ever leads to a pure M diesel or not.

Whether or not this engine will be federalized for US sales is still a mystery.

Last August Autoblog went public with a story about a diesel version of the M5. The problem was that the story was more about reading between the lines than directly quoting anyone at M. Because of that, M immediately denied making the statement and asked Autoblog to revise their story. And in this case M was right as I was actually there and heard what was said. But then again Autoblog was right to sense that there was something M was being coy about.

Now that “something” has shown up in yet another place. Last summer we first told you M potentially getting more involved in diesel power plants. Now driving-fun.com has found not only evidence of a M550 model but also the output figures of it’s try-turbo inline six; 381 hp and 516 lb-ft.

According to our sources the engine will also show up in the refreshed X6 (debuting this winter) and the 6 Series Gran Coupe. But the real interesting story to us is that M has actually been involved with the development of this power plant. BMW M has always been known as the master of petrol performance and has rarely ever (if ever) dabbled in diesel. Alpina, has produced and continues to produce some legendary diesel engines and of course Audi and Peugeot have had storied race careers with oil burners. M getting into the diesel business is big news, whether it ever leads to a pure M diesel or not.

BMW 1 Series Performance Studie

The other rumor that’s recently surfaced (via Autoblog.nl) is the M135i. Wait… what about the 1M you say? Is there room for a model between the 300 hp 135i and a potential future 350 hp 1M? Let’s go back a few years to the release of the 135i. Back then the original idea was to make the 135i in the US, the first “is” model. Something obviously changed and we ended up with a wonderful 300 hp 135i with no special moniker. But the idea of creating something for a younger demographic with touches of M (without the full treatment and associated cost) wasn’t forgotten. That’s what makes the rumor of a M135i somewhat realistic in our eyes. With a tuned 320 hp N55 inline six (basically the same technical set-up as in the 640i and 740i) BMW could quite easily tweak the next generation 135i and sell it for a premium.

We also know that the 1M has proved far more successful than expected. BMW and M likely want to capitalize on that success by offering something sooner rather than later. The later of course is the much rumored M2 (aka the next generation 1M) that likely won’t hit showrooms until late 2013 at the very earliest.

Look for the M135i (the name is still TBA apparently) as soon as next summer in five door hatch form. In the US it’s unclear if we’ll get such a car but rest assured it’ll be in the form of a coupe or convertible as there are no plans for the five door and three door hatch to ever make it to the US market. We expect the same can be said for the Canadian market as well.

The engineer claimed that M was also ready to adapt to the development of alternative powertrains. “Our job is to sell emotion and fun, using the technology that’s socially acceptable at the time. Whether that’s a combustion engine or an electric motor, we don’t care.”

Pretty vague if you ask us. But still it’s intriguing. Should M go the route of producing a bespoke sports car? Would you be interested?

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with the Head of Product Development for BMW M, Albert Biermann. He was bombarded by questions from us and other journalists and he did his best to answer them as candidly as possible. We touched on many points but there were a few that had more weight to us than others.

There was no talking about future offerings, so no F80 M3 info or anything specific about the M6 aside from it is coming next summer. What he was able to answer gave us a great deal more information about what goes into making an M.

M and Turbos

Right off the bat the question about M going turbo and how can that be when “high RPM” has been the mantra for so long. He quickly stated that the high RPM line was started not at M but by marketing and it began with the E39 M5- it had a 7000 RPM red line and was a naturally aspirated V8. The current F10 M5 tops that with 7250 redline and is turbo charged.

As for M and the lack of history with turbos, “M has been working on turbos since its inception and some of the engineers that developed the 1983 Brabham turbo are still working at M developing turbo charging systems”. Fact- that 1983 turbo was a dual scroll and had some trick plumbing much like today’s M5 motor does.

Valvetroninc

We pressed Biermann a bit about Valvetronic, BMWs patented way of eliminating a typical throttle butterfly through the use of valve lift. He said they made significant changes to Valvetronic in order to utilize it in the new M5. It improves response and efficiency by decreasing turbulence and pumping losses. In the end though it is Valvetronic that creates the RPM limit not the turbos.

He feels that “Valvetronic is worth the decrease in the redline as the other benefits are great for performance.” They are also able to use the Valvetronic system rather than cylinder deactivation to lessen the load during shifts with the DCT.

Where’s the Manual for the M5

It is coming next summer, for the US only. The US is the only market that wants one. M will offer it but there will be a time when the business case no longer makes it possible. In the M5 it is tough to justify. The DCT is much more in tune to the car and is better for performance and drivability in the M5. The M5 is designed for a specific type of customer, one that may transport colleagues or clients in urban areas in traffic- not the ideal time to row gears.

In the 1M (he calls the “little One”) and the M3 it makes more sense because of the client base and typical use of the car, they see more enthusiast drivers. Developing a manual for a car with the performance of the M5 is difficult because they need to consider the ability of the driver and the 4 years 50K miles warranty the US offers- not an easy feat.

Can We Put the xDrive M5 Rumors to Rest?

“There is no xDrive M5 coming (period).” Sure they look into everything at the start of development they are investigating for future products but nothing current. “There might come a point with high torque where you need all-wheel drive,” but now there is no need for it and RWD is just more fun.

Can M Build Naturally Aspirated Engines and Reach Efficiency Targets?

“M continues to look at naturally aspirated engines and advances in technology to make them more efficient.” However, “I doubt that there will be naturally aspirated in the future, there is just so much more you can do with turbos to increase drivability and efficiency”.

Biermann seemed to enjoy that they can do more with turbos and that they have just begun to exploit them more fully.

Is an M Specific Model in The Plans?

This idea has been thrown around at M for a long while, since the original M1 super car and the business case has not been there. It is difficult to homologize something that has no series car as a base and adds to the overall cost which must be passed on to the consumer. The same issue has arisen with the Z4, M would love to build one- they may have already- but there is no business case to get the board to approve it.

We wouldn’t hold our breath on M building its own product not based on a BMW model anytime soon.

Why no CSL- But a GTS?

To paraphrase a bit- A CSL is a dedicated production model and must be approved by the board and is assembled on a production line. The GTS was not created in that manner. It was started as a customer project by BMW Individual and thus was not required to go before the board and was built at the M workshop. It was originally a single car then it grew into 25 and then it finally was more than 100.

This appears to be a loophole the M guys have found and how they also created the E90 M3 CRT. There are limits to the number of vehicles they can assemble and limits to what they can do for certain markets, not going to be any significant products like those offered in the US because of regulations.

Wagons?

Not a chance. They only built 1025 E61 M5 wagons during the run and it is hard to justify the investment. With the “X” Ms there is little reason to offer wagons as most consumers will opt for them as they are lest costly and have similar performance.

The second is that you simply drive the car how you would normally from day one. Here the idea is that you’re breaking in the car by treating to a heavy does of normalcy.

For us the answer has always been easy. If German engineers suggest you go easy on a car they’ve engineered, we suggest you follow their advice. But what about M cars? We know that M cars demand a 1,200 miles service at the close of break-in. But what else is specific to M models? We talked to a BMW about to see if there were some specifics that, while not in the manual, are good guidelines to follow. What they told us expanded on the manual and gave us a lot of the reasoning behind the rules (along with a few new ones to follow). You can see the entire list after the break.

Tires: these need 200 miles of wear before they have the full intended grip. Until then avoid unnecessary wear or heavy cornering.

Gearbox: you should always treat a manual box with respect. But none more than the first 400 miles. During that time be extra clean with your shifts and for God’s sake don’t grind anything but your teeth. Once the 400 miles are up, feel free to have at it.

The M Differential: The M Diff is a complex and special piece of mechanical goodness that requires some serious respect. That means no full acceleration – ie slamming your foot the floor. But what if you accidentally do 5-6 times? While it doesn’t mean expensive repairs down the road it will cause the M Diff to be noisier as it racks up the miles. So how can you feel the brunt of an M car while in the break-in period? During the first 1,200 miles M recommends that you ease on the throttle rather than slam it to the floor.

The Engine: The official line by BMW on the 1M is to keep it below 4,500 rpms until 1,200 miles. In reality, we’ve heard that you only need to keep it below 4,500 until it gets closer to 1,000 miles. At that point you can start to gradually increase your self-imposed redline until that magic 1,200 miles mark when you can also touch redline now and again.

The other requirement is to vary the RPMs through the range while not reaching over 100 mph. The thought here is that this will allow you to vary the load on the rings which allows them to seat properly.

Breaking in my 1M has been a test of patience given the ability of the twin-turbo inline six to generate enormous torque from the lowest depths of the rpms. With only 800 miles to go until that 1,200 mark, I may just make it without laying down black marks.

We reported last week that BMW intends to roll-out a new collection of Performance accessories for its M cars. And the one that got the most interest was the highly anticipate M Stripe package for the 1M. Originally rumored to be a throw-back design, the stripes clearly are a down-sized version of the same design that debuted earlier this spring on the M3.

And while we didn’t care for them on the M3, we definitely don’t care for them on the 1M. Especially the small mistake portion that extends behind the rear tire. We get that it’s suppose to follow the natural line that most BMW’s have emphasizing the powerful rear wheel drive layout, but it simply looks awkward.

The other accessories listed for the 1M (CF spoiler, mirrors and gloss black front grilles) are hold-overs from the standard 1 Series accessories that have been available for four years now.

Here’s the official release (the same as we posted last week)

Official Release: The intriguing character of BMW M cars is further emphasised by the BMW M Performance range of accessories. These complement those available for the BMW M3 and include new products for the power train, the suspension, aerodynamics and the cockpit and have now been extended to include other models. Wing mirror covers and a rear spoiler are available for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. These accessories are manufactured from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), handmade by BMW. In addition, an eye-catching BMW M Performance kidney-shaped radiator grille is available in a black, high-gloss finish.

The BMW M Performance range of accessories for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M allow the driver’s own distinctive personality to shine through. For both models, 21-inch BMW M Performance light alloy wheels in double- spoke design, a BMW M Performance carbon front splitter and a front grille in black are now available. In addition to the BMW M Performance rear spoiler and the BMW M Performance tail fins in black, model-specific BMW M Performance side skirts underline the dynamic elegance of the BMW X6 M. Perfect control and an authentic racing feel are provided by the BMW M Performance steering wheel, which is available for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. It has an Alcantara cover and a rim that is designed with a flat section at the bottom. In addition, it sports three-colour M stitching and a centre marker at the top in racing blue.

The BMW M Performance range of accessories has now also been complemented by an attractive new innovation in the field of design. The BMW M Performance side stripes for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the BMW M3 Coupe, the BMW M3 Convertible, the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M refine the distinctive appearance of the BMW M, adding an exclusive sporty accent to the vehicle.

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We caught up with Mr Watts while at Laguna Seca where M was showing off the new M5 for the first time on US soil. We wanted to check in on the latest from the M Division (ie the M5) as well as shed some more light on the background of the 1M. Specifically we were able to get some fascinating new details surrounding the 1M and how it almost didn’t come to market. Mr. Watts also was able to dispel some persistent rumors around the car. Specifically whether we’ll see a 2012 model year and whether or not a 1M CSL is coming.

It’s a must listen for any BMW M fan – especially 1M owners.

The real interesting tid-bit is that ///M may have played a roll in the development of some of these motors. BMW ///M has always been known as the master of petrol performance and has rarely ever (if ever) dabbled in diesel. Alpina, has produced and continues to produce some legendary diesel engines and of course Audi and Peugeot have had storied race careers with oil burners. The news of ///M possible getting involved is something very interesting to ponder.

The name M 50 d was recently applied for and is currently up for opposition as a trademark of BMW, is this one of those times where BMW just goes out and trademarks a name with no intention of using it (like 555) or is this foreshadowing something to launch in the not so distant future; it seems more like the latter but with BMW becoming less conventional in its naming schemes we will bite our lip in anticipation.

Couldn’t make it to the ‘Ring for the 24h or the M Fest? BMW has you covered with an official video that details both events and the surrounding activities.

Let’s hope this isn’t a one time only event!

Carbon Racing Technology. Remember those words. They define the new M3 CRT in every way. From the use of lightweight carbon fiber to drop around 150 lbs to the bespoke racing seats to the 4.4L 450 bhp engine borrowed from the GTS. This car is the fastest and most advanced four door M3 of all time. And it’s one of the most limited of all time. With only 67 being made worldwide (and none coming to the US) don’t expect to ever actually see one.

But let’s forget that it’ll probably cost a fortune (we’re guessing somewhere around 150,000 Euros) and just revel in the best looking M3 since the CSL. And don’t be surprised if we don’t see some of this tech on the next generation M3.

Official Release: Munich/Nürburg. BMW M GmbH will use the M Night event in the lead-up to the Nürburgring 24-hour race to unveil a spectacular new addition to its model range. The BMW M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) embodies a concentrated blend of state-of-the-art development expertise – inspired directly by motor sport – in the areas of drive system and chassis technology and intelligent lightweight design. It also represents the worldwide debut of a new production process for carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components in the automotive industry.

This process allows CFRP to be introduced widely in the construction of the high-performance BMW M3 Saloon-based sports car created by the BMW M GmbH factory. And that helps it achieve a weight-to-power ratio of 3.5 kilograms per horsepower. A V8 engine with customary M high-revving characteristics and maximum output of 331 kW/450 hp accelerates the BMW M3 CRT from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

Full gallery and specifications after the break.

The BMW M3 CRT will be produced by the BMW M GmbH factory in a limited run of 67 units. Following in the tyre tracks of the BMW M3 GTS – of which 135 examples were produced – this is the second small-series, high-performance M3 off-shoot to be bred for the race track but registered for the road. The exclusive character of the Saloon is emphasised by bespoke lightweight design components manufactured as part of an innovative production process. The bonnet of the BMW M3 CRT and the bucket seats for the driver and front passenger are made from a cellular carbon honeycomb, which is produced in a globally unique process pioneered for the manufacture of body components for the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models.

Innovative manufacturing process for lightweight CFRP components.

These new models – due to enter volume production in 2013 and equipped with innovative electric and BMW ActiveHybrid drivesystem technology – will feature a body consisting entirely of CFRPin the passenger cell area. In a new development, the production process introduced for this purpose enables the cuttings left behind in the construction of the body to be reprocessed. The basic material (made up of carbon fibre thread) can now be woven into CFRP mats of any size before being impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened in a similar way to the material used in the body of the BMW i3 and BMW i8. For the BMW M3 CRT this allows the creation of a bonnet made from two CFRP mouldings encasing an aramid honeycomb structure. This construction imbues the bonnet with the strength of a conventional steel equivalent, but at roughly a quarter of its weight. The weight saving over the aluminium bonnet of the standard BMW M3 Saloon is around 50 per cent.

The material produced through this innovative manufacturing technology is also used for the car’s bucket seats. Here, the CFRP layers are wrapped around a recycled-paper honeycomb, with a carbon layer made using conventional production technology added to visible areas. CFRP is also used to make both the rear spoiler of the BMW M3 CRT and an air-channelling element integrated into its front apron.

This innovative manufacturing process opens up considerable potential for increased use of CFRP in series-produced cars as a means of lowering weight. The BMW Group is leading the way in this area of automotive construction, while BMW M GmbH can call on extensive racing expertise when it comes to intelligent lightweight design. The BMW M3 CRT is the latest in a fine tradition of highly exclusive high-performance sports cars optimised with the help of lightweight design. This lineage stretches back to the BMW 3.0 CSL of the 1970s and reached another high point in 2002 with the BMW M3 CSL. BMW M GmbH also broke new ground with the use of CFRP in series-produced vehicles; like the BMW M6 produced up to 2010, the current BMW M3 Coupé comes as standard with a roof made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.

Significant weight reduction despite generous standard equipment.

The low-weight construction of the BMW M3 CRT is enhanced by sound-proofing configured specially for the new variant and a sports exhaust system with an extremely lightweight titanium muffler. Also unique to the CRT are the two individual rear seats, which take their cues from the lateral support-enhancing contours of the front seats.

Included in the standard specification of the BMW M3 CRT are the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, Navigation system Professional, BMW Individual High End audio system, a light, exterior mirror and luggage area package, an alarm system and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car. Despite this extremely generous selection of standard kit, its DIN unladen weight of 1,580 kg undercuts that of the standard BMW M3 Saloon by around 45 kg. When you take into account the equipment on board the weight saving is more like 70 kg. Added to which, cleverly reducing the load at the front of the car raises the proportion of the car’s weight over the rear axle to 48.4 per cent, which has an extremely positive effect on agility.

High-revving V8 engine with extra power; M DCT Drivelogic.

Under the CFRP bonnet of the BMW M3 CRT lies a variant of the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 with further increased displacement, output and maximum torque. The high-revving unit provides the linear power delivery you expect from an M car and a highly responsive performance profile honed by the demands of the race track. Tuned for the BMW M3 GTS, the eight-cylinder engine develops 331 kW/450 hp from its 4,360 cc displacement. Maximum output is reached at 8,300 rpm, and the driver will find peak torque of 440 Newton metres on tap at 3,750 rpm. Helping to give the engine its intoxicating performance is wizardry derived directly from motor sport, including a bedplate crankcase construction in a special aluminium-silicon alloy, individual throttle butterflies, a knock control system with ion current technology and a dynamically-optimised wet sump oil supply.

Transferring the engine’s power to the rear wheels is the M doubleclutch transmission with Drivelogic developed for the BMW M3. The seven-speed M DCT Drivelogic unit also works according to a principle developed in motor sport, allowing an uninterrupted flow of power through gear changes to deliver extremely dynamic acceleration. Its shift characteristics have been tuned specially for the engine powering the BMW M3 CRT. Shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear manually with optimum ergonomics. And a Launch Control function is on hand to generate maximum acceleration off the start line.

Special chassis construction with race-bred technology.

Expertise from race competition also makes its presence felt in the chassis technology of the BMW M3 CRT. The BMW M3 Saloon’s front and rear axle construction has been enhanced by a rigid rear axle subframe and coilover suspension whose dampers are individually adjustable in their compression and rebound. The sixpiston, fixed-calliper high-performance brakes of the BMW M3 CRT boast a low-weight compound construction. The vented brake discs measure 378 x 32 millimetres at the front axle and 380 x 28 millimetres at the rear. The new M3 variant also uses Stahlflex brake lines and model-specific comfort brake pads.

The specially tuned DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – including ABS and M Dynamic Mode (MDM) – responds to both the greater dynamic potential of the BMW M3 CRT and its optimised axle load distribution. Meanwhile, the 245/35 R 19 front tyres and 265/35 R 19 rears (fitted on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design) ensure the engine’s acceleration and braking power is transferred to the road with maximum impact. The electronic engine management of the BMW M3 CRT caps its top speed at 290 km/h.

The exclusive Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior paint shade in combination with Melbourne Red metallic applications and special treatment for the BMW kidney grille also help to set the BMW M3 CRT apart from the standard M3. Inside, the Saloon comes with likewise exclusive door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminium grain structure. Completing the distinctive ambience inside the high-performance Saloon are the Alcantara-covered M steering wheel, which has an M Drive button allowing the driver to call up his preferred set-up instantly, and special Sakhir Orange and Black bi-colour covers for the front and individual rear seats.

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Question: What is an M car? Answer: above.

About a month ago we brought you the news of BMW M’s plans to expand and innovate through new models and technologies. We told you about X3 M, the possibility of a new Z4 M and perhaps most interestingly a secret mid-engined car that would be M’s first unique product since the M1. With almost a month since our first mention, we thought it was a good time to take another look at the rumor and the idea.

However we should make it clear that the car, internally as the “M One”, is simply a idea and a series of sketches. According to BMW insider Scott26, It could be anything from a Audi R8 to a Porsche Cayman competitor. And along those lines the engine could range from anything from a F30 M3 derived turbo-charged inline six or even the M5′s twin turbo V8. But there is another idea that could be much more relevant to a future caught up in sustainability. How does a ultra lightweight mid-engined coupe (with technology shared with the i3 and i8) powered by a 3 or 4 cylinder twin turbo sound? Yes the formula isn’t defined and it could turn into something we’ve really never seen before from M let alone BMW.

With the F20/F30′s modular architecture it is feasible that BMW could leverage a series car in creating something entirely unique and keeping costs down. But do we want this kind of car? Do you? Is this the kind of halo M car that we’ve all wanted? Sound off in the comment section below.

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With all the noise today on AWD M cars on the interwebs today, we thought it was worth mentioning our position again. As we’ve already said once this spring, nothing is set in stone. While M is working on new AWD technologies, we don’t expect anything in the near future outside of any new SAV based M car.

You can read our original AWD M report from last month here.

Through various sources it’s become clear that M has plans to expand it’s line-up from the traditional 3-4 products. Crucial to this are the X5 and X6 M twins. With the Chinese, Russian and Brazilian markets showing dramatic appetite for big M cars, it’s clear that there’s a lot of market share to gain and profit to be hand. For instance China’s M sales grew 355% alone last year. That kind of number doesn’t go unnoticed in Munich.

Because of this M is likely looking to add another M SAV to the mix. However whether that’s an X3, the forthcoming X4 and even a hot version of the X1 is still up in the air. There’s even talk of a X1 iS has to help bridge the gap. But the future story of M is also about getting back to its basics and not forgetting about the enthusiasts that they’ve traditionally relied on.

Currently M is looking at two proposals for future sports cars with one being (according to sources) very limited. Our guess is that limited model would be a Z4M based on the GT3 race car. The other (and perhaps even more appealing) would be a car based on 1 and 3 Series architecture that would have a front mid-mounted or even pure mid-engined set-up that would be completely unique to M. As you might expect the car would slot agains the Porsche Boxster and Cayman in terms of size and performance. But even more interesting is that M is toying with the idea of an AWD system that our sources believe is similar to what is found on the Ferrari FF. What ever wheels are driven this would be the first M car without a standard ‘series’ equivalent since the original M1. Bold move for M but one that clearly signals that M is serious about building sports cars.

But what about the core products; the M3 and M5. The M5 is still a bit of a mystery to us as far as weight savings technologies but we do know the twin turbo V8 will have around 560 hp. However in our mind, it’s the M3 that stands the best chance at being in sync with the less is more philosophy. Going from a V8 to an twin turbo inline six and making liberal use of weight savings techniques, we expect the next generation M3 to deliver more power but weigh in no heavier than the current car. More specifically we expect a greater emphasis on weight savings techniques than any other mass produced M car to this point. How is M going to accomplish this?

Enter BMW i. BMW M won’t have blind eye to the other BMW sub-brand in the coming years. As with other parts of the BMW Group, M will slowly start sharing technology from Project i. In fact this has already taken place as the air curtains on the 1M show us. We expect BMWi’s expertise in Carbon Fiber design and construction to ultimately make their way to the next generation of M cars. Look for a Carbon Fiber concept M3 later this fall to signal some of this thinking.

With all this long-range planning going on behind the scenes the next six months will still be a busy for M. This June they’ll be officially showing off the BMW M3 GTS Sedan (name is TBA & no it’s not coming to the US) and following it up with the production version of the M5 at the IAA in Frankfurt. From there we’ll see the M6 and perhaps one more very special M3 next year.

Our man on the inside Herr26 helped with this report.

The official M Brand website just published an interview with Dominique Gargiulo, head of marketing for M automobiles at BMW GmbH. It’s a quick interview that is full the details that we haven’t seen yet on the event.

Mr Gargiulo, “The M Festival” – what is it about?

Gargiulo: Fun and excitement, the smell of gasoline, the M Community. M – the most powerful letter in the world – invites all fans and drivers of M cars to the Nürburgring for four days of joint celebration.

Q: Why the Nürburgring?

A: Because the North Loop of the Nürburgring is where BMW M automobiles regularly celebrate glorious victories. Just think of the BMW M3 GT2 at last year’s 24h event. But more than that, it is the place where every M automobile has its typical characteristics, its M genes, instilled into it.

Q: Will the M Festival be taking place throughout the entire 24h race from June 23 to June 26, 2011?

A: Yes it will. Our guests will have the chance to follow the racing events up close, from start to finish. We have even reserved our own spectator areas, just to make sure. And that is not all – we also plan pit visits, interviews with drivers, and even helicopter flights over the track. But the M Festival has even more to offer.

Q: You’re talking about the M Night at the end of day one?

A: That is just one example. At that evening event, we will be taking the opportunity to exclusively present two brand-new M automobiles for the very first time – for the enjoyment of our most faithful customers and fans.

Q: One of the attractions of Friday’s programme is the M Parade.

A: Yes, that’s right. The first hundred participants to register their M automobile can also take part in the M Parade. The parade will encircle the North Loop of the Nürburgring with nothing but M vehicles, accompanied by the enthusiastic support of fans and spectators.

Q: What can guests expect for the start of the 24h race on Saturday afternoon?

A: At 4.00pm, 200 M fans will be able to watch the start of the race from the M Power stand; we have exclusively booked their places especially for them. We expect two BMW Motorsport M3 cars to take part, along with numerous private teams with their M racing cars. There will be plenty of opportunities to witness the events of the race from up close, throughout the entire contest. And who knows – maybe this year’s race will be another triumphant success for the BWM M3, just like it was last year.

Q: But the so-called “Hatzenbach Hill” remains the centre of all the activities, does it not?

A: A stage has been specially constructed for an ongoing programme that will take place over all four days, including various music groups, with drivers and representatives of BMW M talking and answering questions, all for the purpose of celebrating the most powerful letter in the world together with the unique M Community.

Q: Where will guests be able to sleep?

A: I’m sure there will be a few fans who will get by on minimal sleep (laughs). But for the others, there will be several options: first of all, guests can rent a tent, that comes with a sleeping bag and camping mat, which users may take away with them after the event. Naturally, the tent displays M branding, making it a particularly attractive souvenir for all M fans. It is also possible to rent a room at the Center Park Eifel, located nearby. You will find further details, including information on other accommodation options, and a booking service for you and your friends on our website.

Q: By the sound of it, this is going to be a pretty unforgettable event. So how much does it cost?

A: The cost is 269 euros per person, and it includes the entire programme as listed on the website, as well as a guarded M parking space. Just the sight of all the M vehicles parked in the car park will be worth the price of entry alone. BMW M and several BMW sales organisations are contributing to the cost, to make the price of participating as attractive as possible.

Q: Are you going to be there?

A: But of course. We have been dreaming of organising an event like this for years. All of us are already really looking forward to the M Festival together with our M customers and M fans!

You can register for the festival here.

The M Festival. The ultimate event at the ultimate race; the 24 hours of the Nurburgring. The festival will take place from June 23rd to the 26th and will culminate in the M3 GT2 taking to the track for the 24 hour race that they won last year. You can get tickets and learn more at BMW’s new M Festival micro site here. And if you can’t go at least you have the trailer above.