BMW M1 Concept: Updated Official High-Res Image Gallery

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the M1’s birthday (click here for pics of the original model), BMW surprised us with the unveiling of a mid-engine sportscar study at this weekend’s Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este (April 25-27, 2008). BMW’s homage to the M1 blends the edgy styling of the original model with modern design detailing like the rear-diffuser, the miniscule door mirrors and the absence of the visible door handles along with an extra-wide body. An interesting detail is the new grille which could find its way into production at some point.

In all, we like BMW’s re-interperation of the classic M1 a lot as it’s totally different than any other model in the Bavarian automaker’s line-up but at the same time, it’s clearly recognizable as a “BMW”. There are no pictures of the interior – to be honest, we don’t even know if the M1 Concept has one- and BMW’s sketchy German press release makes no reference to the car’s mechanical underpinnings.

The company’s execs refer to the M1 Concept as a pure study created to honor BMW’s past but, one never knows and if anything else, the Bavarian carmaker could do with a limited production version of this prototype as the ultimate -halo- driving machine. -20 High res images after the jump

11 comments

Anonymous // April 27, 2008

Am I the only one who views this as an Americanized "hot rod" version of the M1? I would expect something like this on the showroom floor of Saleen, but not BMW. It clearly demonstrates how the original is still the best.
Anonymous // April 28, 2008

whats the 2tone car at the bottom on the right? not seen one like that before..
Anonymous // April 28, 2008

ah i've read up elsewhere - apparently its the bmw 'turbo' concept, that later became the m1.
Anonymous // April 28, 2008

Yup, lets hope that they can take a group photo with four cars soon (2+2)
Anonymous // May 03, 2008

Not a bad effort, except for the buck-toothed looking front-end. Reminds me of Bugs Bunny somehow. Still prefer the original overall.
Rick // May 04, 2008

I hope they don't introduce this as the M1. Each M series BMW that comes out, is most associated to the series it follows. The M3 is a beefed-up 3-series. The M5 is a beefed-up 5-series. If the M1 is released such like so, it's a great homage to the 1-series, with its diminutive size, but it's a mismatch altogether.

Perhaps, if this were released as a M6 or some other M#, then it'd make more sense. Perhaps then BMW could enter the world of Porsche and Ferrari with something like this.
Anonymous // May 05, 2008

DAM!!! THAT IS A FUKIN SEXY BEAST OF A CAR I WOULD BUY ONE
Martin // May 05, 2008

@Rick: Dude, you should read up on the history of the M1 before you say such things.
Anonymous // May 05, 2008

There is nothing "Americanized" about it. "Americanized" is to have many bastard ,one off, creations in between designs that have no resemblance to the next. Then attempt to jump back 20 odd years trying to retake the "old" style and sell it as new. That is "Americanized", or rather "fordish" now GM is following suit. On the other hand BMW autos seem to evolve into what they are now. They took the essences of the original M1 and created something new, yet strikingly and undeniably familiar. You cannot show this car to anybody that knows of the M1 and not have them identify it. One of the main reasons I like BMW.
Anonymous // May 16, 2008

Gosh, anything that makes recent Lamborghinis look anaemic has got something going for it. Menacing to the point of being brutal, there is not a lot that looks subtle, but l like it because of that. l have not been real keen on BMW styling since Bungle took over, but this just defies people not to take notice of it.
Bob Burgess // September 12, 2008

What a gorgeous machine. BMW can not go wrong with this one !I would love to drive one home. Of course i would have to detour to RIR for a little spin around the track !