BMW is about to do to the 1-series what it did to the 3-series years ago: stretch it every which way, filling existing niches and creating new, exciting ones too – headed by a red-hot M version. The M1 badge would be resurrected on a very different beast to the landmark 1970s supercar though; this time it'll feature on the rump of the new 1-series coupe, standard versions of which will arrive next year.
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 (caught testing above), 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.
The 1-series replacement is likely to feature a significantly different model line-up. Expect the new range to arrive in 2011 with different models introduced over a spread of three-and-a-half year to keep up the sales momentum. Under discussion are the following additional alternative bodystyles:
• A Z1 no-frills lightweight two-seater roadster powered exclusively by four-cylinder engines
• A shark-nose reincarnation of the tii (above): two doors, four-seater, three-box design
• Touring four-door, estate/coupé crossover to replace today's hatchback
• Four-door coupe with large wraparound tailgate, possibly with mild hybrid powertrain
Since the first-generation 1-series has not hit the bull's eye with customers, BMW plans to tweak the line-up significantly. The 1-series Touring and four-door coupe would make today's hatchbacks obsolete. And an X1 crossover is under discussion; rather than merely being a downsized X3, they are working on a new vehicle concept which combines a shark nose look, a shallow, sporty windowline and the flared wheelarches from the Schnitzer/Alpina/Koepchen 02 racers from the '70s.
Perhaps the most interesting new 1-series variant is the tii. According to those in the know, this iconic flagship model for young buyers aims to combine the genes of the 130bhp tii with those of the 195bhp first-generation M3. Key ingredients include light weight, compact dimensions, a charismatic design and the usual BM rear-wheel drive dynamics.
It'll be a two-door notchback and could also serve as the basis for the follow-up to the cabriolet. Unlike next year's Baur soft-top, the 2012 edition would do without prominent rollover protection. Prominent styling features are said to include slim pillars, a cab-backward greenhouse, frameless windows as well as round head- and taillights. The much larger CS concept shown at this month's Shanghai Motor Show (and shown above) points to BMW's future styling direction.
With new turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engines delivering up to 275bhp, there's no need to install a nose-heavy and comparatively thirsty six. Instead of four-wheel drive to tame such lofty power outputs in one so small, BMW is working on an evolution of Dynamic Performance Control. DPC II is said to feature a new energy-saving central hydraulic system, lightweight hollow driveshafts, low-friction differentials and hydraulically actuated rear-wheel steering for superior high-speed stability.
