BMW 'looking' at an M1 supercar successor

BMW is actively considering a new range-topping supercar model in the spirit of the M1 and Z8, CAR has learned.

Global sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson said the company had other priorities, but that there remained a desire to showcase the brand's sporting aspirations.

'We have never replaced the M1, although we have made ventures in that direction,' he said. 'Z8s now sell for twice the price they were originally sold at, for instance. We continue to look at a halo car. I would certainly not rule out a great car in our future. We have shown the Vision [Eficient Dynamics].'

Robertson suggested that a future supercar would have to be different. 'The SL segment is owned by Mercedes, they have a long history in that sector. But our Z4 and 6 series are their segment leaders."

The new BMW 6-series will be launched in the second quarter of 2012, Robertson added. He suggested that the new four-door iteration would be badged a 6-series, not an 8-series as has earlier been suggested.

By Tim Pollard