Currently reading: BMW plans new baby M car
Smaller M car is favoured over a new supercar

BMW is looking at a new M model below the M3, according to highly placed sources from inside the firm’s M division, who suggest the new car has been favoured over a BMW supercar.

Based on the next-gen 1-series, the new car will be designed to introduce younger customers to new M cars. It would compete with cars such as the next-generation Audi S3, with pricing starting at around £32,000.

“We’re conscious that our existing customers are gravitating towards larger and more expensive models such as the X5/X6 M,” said an M division source. “We’re looking at ways to attract new customers to the brand, and an entry-level model is part of those plans.”

Among the new car’s biggest backers is newly installed BMW M division boss Kay Segler. The former head of brand management at Mini, he has experience with fast, compact two-doors: he oversaw the introduction of the Mini Cooper S and Cooper S Works.

Asked whether BMW’s M division was considering producing a sports car to go up against the Audi R8, Mercedes SLS and Porsche’s 911 Turbo, Autocar’s source said, “Such a project would fit nicely with our operations and would be greatly accepted by the engineers. But the priority right now is a more affordable model underneath the M3.”

The car is likely to be based on the next 135i, meaning it will use a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six producing around 330bhp. And BMW may well revive the M1 badge for the car.

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Quattro369 4 November 2009

Re: BMW plans new baby M car

Yet again, another U-turn by BMW:

"There will not be an M1 based on the 1-series. The name has too much heritage"

mags8733 4 November 2009

Re: BMW plans new baby M car

There is plenty of scope for the numbers game M1,,or M0.5 really small could be M nano.

Then they could add fwd so you could have M1 + 4 or M0.5 + 4 the small one at Mnano+4 is a bit naff but some will like it

Good l;uck to the concept chap