[Brookside]

2009 BMW M1


Car Magazine's M1 prediction...yes, it's a photoshop.

To give the 1-series a badly needed image boost, BMW is reconsidering the M1. This project was originally scheduled to arrive at this year's Detroit Motor Show back in January.
Under Ulrich Bruhnke, who recently left the company, the M division had proposed four different M1 spin-offs: a coupe, a lightweight GTR, a cabriolet and the E82 M1 touring.
The latter model died altogether, the GTR was deemed too expensive despite its motorsport potential, and the fate of the drop-top was of course linked to that of the coupe.
Both have now been confirmed.




Since the 1-series will remain in production until 2011, it still makes commercial sense to launch the M1 late next year.
The most obvious powertrain choice is the 343bhp 3.2-litre six as fitted to the outgoing M3.
It's an expensive engine, and it needs work to trim its CO2 and fuel consumption, but it is the most likely motor, our sources say.
According to an internal document seen by CAR Online, the M1 would accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.2sec and would reach a top speed of 175mph if derestricted.


Next year, BMW will launch the regular two-door versions of the 1-series.

Aimed with high hopes at the North American market are the coupe and convertible which look a touch more elegant than the rather ungainly hatchbacks,
despite the same oversize headlamps, sagging fat-belly cutline along the door sills and that squashed tail end.



More intriguing than the design are the new engines earmarked for the entry-level BMs.
Economical and kind to the environment, BMW is readying three new 2.0-litre diesels rated at 143, 177 and 204bhp.
Also waiting in the wings are a direct-injection petrol 170bhp 2.0-litre four and a 272bhp 3.0-litre six.

Next in the evolution process is turbocharging for both units.
In addition to the soft-charge application as seen in the 306bhp 335i, work is in progress on a high-pressure cascade charge concept,
which should satisfy the most power-hungry customers.