A new beast is coming from BMW - the BMW 1 Series M Coupé or M1 to some (but not to BMW - read below)... a car that BMW says will be the M series car for everyman... okay, at least more affordable for more men (and women) than other M series cars.
As you will see from the interview below, more details about the BMW 1 Series M Coupé will be coming in the Christmas 2010 time frame, while cars will be in customer hands by the second half of 2011.
Here is some insight into the origins of the new BMW 1 Series M Coupé and why BMW is not calling it the M1 as you might expect.
These are excerpts from an interview with Dr. Kay Segler, head of BMW M GmbH - the BMW M series brain trust:
Why is there nothing like this today?
All models grow, have more equipment features and options which can be freely chosen. Ultimately this is reflected in the vehicle dimensions, weight and price, too. This is why it is one of my most urgent goals to offer a small, affordable M model in the tradition of the very first BMW M3.
What might such a model be like?
This model will be based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé and also be focused on the essentials - the fascination of driving. And it will reflect a love of detail, too.
Will the model be called BMW M1?
We have discussed this point too. BMW M1 is a name with powerful historical associations. So we have decided to follow our second nomenclature method. In the tradition of the BMW Z4 Roadster and of the current models BMW X5 M and X6 M we will put our brand identifier at the end of the name, so our new model will be called the BMW 1 Series M Coupé.
When can we expect to receive further information?
We will be publishing more detailed information before Christmas. And we may release the odd detail beforehand. Wait and see!
Where will the information be provided?
You can register here on M-Power.com. In this way you can be sure not to miss any information on the BMW 1 Series M Coupé.
From when will the BMW 1 Series M Coupé be supplied?
You can expect the first vehicles to be with customers in the first half of 2011.
What else is in store in the near future?
There is a lot more for BMW M fans to look forward to in the second half of 2011 as well. We will be presenting the next generation of the BMW M5 with V8 turbo engine. But let's talk about the details another time.
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