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We’re back after a month break that saw Michael make the big move across the pond to Germany. But the news never stops and, as you’d expect, we have a ton to catch-up on. Full list of topics after the break.
According the Auto Express and M Division head Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, the long rumored M1 replacement is inching closer.
“We have a fantastic history with the M1,” Dr Nitschke said. “The decision on developing this car is open. We’d love to do it.”
Apparently the car has been on the drawing board for 11 years but only now with modern technology is seriously BMW considering it. Auto Express theorizes that the car would need a V10 or V12 to compete with the likes of Aston Martin or Ferrari. We’d guess that BMW may want to push a more downsized concept with multiple turbos and/or an electric drive added in.
Stereoscreen.de got some time with the M1 (yes the real one) in Munich and documented the entire experience. We’ll let them tell you about it in their own words:
One fine day, we traveled in time and took BMW´s masterpiece – the M1 – for a ride. Starting in the birthplace of the M1, the 4 cylinder building in Munich, and ending in the ultra-modern BMW world. We were amazed by the timeless futuristic look of the M1 after three decades and just couldn´t stop filming before midnight. Toussaint did a nice sounddesign, bridging the time gap between yesterday and today, while Karsten came up with the idea of a graphic artwork that brought the film to even more than 21:9 cinema scope… (see it on stereoscreen.de)
For the first time in its history BMW Classic is offering cars for sale. A BMW M1 and a BMW 3.0 CSL are to be sold by Bonhams auction house in Dubai this October. The two cars hail from the company’s own collection and rank among the icons of BMW’s automotive heritage.
The auction sale marks BMW Classic’s next step on its path towards customer orientation. Following the expansion of the historic workshop into the BMW Classic Center, which carries out restoration work on customer vehicles, further business segments are being broached: “Buying and selling classics is as much a part of our new range of services as the consignment of classics and advice on buying,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Classic. “The auction of these two automobiles is our first move in that direction.” Since the 1990s, both the BMW M1 and the BMW 3.0 CSL have been owned by BMW Classic, and its forerunner BMW Mobile Tradition, where they were progressively restored and made public appearances at special events like the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. (Full gallery after the break)
No not that M1. We’re talking about the classic Procar M1. I had a chance to ride shotgun with Martin Birkmann (M Brand Manager) at Road American earlier today and the only words that describe it is, “wow”. From the mechanical fuel injection to the flames out the rear it’s as visceral as you get. It’s also a complete time-capsule as you see in the photos below (after the break).
But perhaps just as cool was watching M Boss Kay Segler riding shotgun with Martin Birkmann earlier in the day. Clearly Dr. Segler loved the experience. And as you an see, it’s hard not to. (photos after the break)
Missed your chance to pick-up an M1 back in the late 70′s when BMW couldn’t sell them? Canepa Collection is selling a prime example finished in Alpine white with only 27,000 miles on the odometer. It’s an incredible car with very little wear and expertly maintained.
It seemed plausible at the time of release but now we’re starting to see some real confirmation that BMW will be going ahead with production of the Vision concept car that debuted in Frankfurt. The car was not only a concept in regards to design but also drivetrain. Sources told us at the time that BMW was actually creating a drive-able 3 cylinder diesel hybrid that did produce the numbers given at the time of release. Typically an automaker only goes to that kind of expense when there is a real chance of production on the horizon. That’s where we pick up the story from Insideline. Here’s an excerpt from their report:
Our executive source goes on to say that total volume is being debated, but that it will fall between 5,000 and 10,000 units. The prototype’s powertrain and basic sub-3,000-pound assembly will remain intact, but, says the source, “there will be less of the synthetic glass and more solid structure added to the final design.” Uh-oh. We know why these alterations are needed, but does this mean it’s going to migrate toward being a sort of sleek Toyota Prius? Let’s hope not.
When we asked if this could finally be BMW’s second true production supercar after the Giugiaro M1, the response was a firm “quite probably.” So maybe our Prius/Honda Insight fears are overreaching. It’d be nice to maintain that 0.22 drag coefficient and the hellacious looks.
IL went on to mention that a real world test in the south of France would be happening for a few publications later this summer. Oh and those Prius fears? Obviously those of us who are close to BMW and it’s products know better. Based on what we’ve been told this car will redefine the term hybrid.
It’s //M week on the BimmerCast. In this episode we talk about the GTS and why it’s not called the CSL. And of course you’ll hear our takes on the new track-day special from the M Division. We also uncover some of what’s in store of 1 Series fans in the way of M versions. In short, a lot. You’ll want to listen if you’re interested in a lightweight, high performance M product that costs less than the current M3.
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Sections: //1M\\, //M1\\, //M2\\, //M3 CRT, //M3\\, //M5\\, BimmerCast, F10 5 Series, F1X 6 Series Gran Coupe Jul 10th, 2011 1 Comment 
