New BMW M1 isn’t happening

BMW won’t be building a new M1

A new BMW M1 Supercar has been mooted for some time – BMW even produced the M1 Homage in 2008 – but it’s not going to happen.

We’ve expected BMW to bite the bullet at some point and recreate its mid-engined M1 Supercar. After all, car makers like a halo and, although BMW has some very impressive cars, they don’t really have anything like the Mercedes SLS.

We even had a new concept of the BMW M1 back in 2008 – the BMW M1 Homage (or Hommage, if you’re German) – which evoked all that was impressive about the original M1 in a more modern and sleek design, and seemed a distinct possibility for production. But three years on there have been no signs that BMW are going to pursue a new M1. And now we get news from the horse’s mouth that a new M1 isn’t going to happen.

BMW’s M-Division Product Manager in North America, Matt Russell, in conversation with EgmCartech, said:

We’ve discussed the possibilities,but ultimately we didn’t feel the need to make a very exclusive high-end supercar and we still don’t. I already firmly believe that we already produce supercars, except that they’re two in one: an executive car with supercar performance. They are the essence of BMW M-cars.

Which is both logical and illogical at the same time. BMW M cars do offer stunning performance all wrapped up in a car that could pass muster as a rep-mobile if you use a light right foot. But there’s nothing quite like having something that doesn’t look like a tarted and titivated rep-mobile, and that’s what a new M1 could offer.

It seems BMW have had endless bids for the M1 Homage car and even more requests to be put on a waiting list for the new M1. Which must tell them it’s viable – they just don’t want to build it. But there is another possibility: buying up a small supercar maker.

For years it was rumoured BMW were looking for the right supercar marque to gobble up, but never found it. Perhaps, as the economy worsens, new possibilities will open up. Pagani seem vulnerable – although probably too high-end to suit – but perhaps something more mainstream with a real history could work.

Aston Martin by BMW, perhaps?

(10 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK