Sponsored by Bmw since 1999, the Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este unveiled the renascence of the new Bmw M1. The new Bmw M1 Hommage represents a moder interpretation of the 1978 Bmw M1, which at the moment of its launch was Germany’s fastest street car.
As the old model, the concept presents new design lines that are ahead of their time. The Bmw stylists incorporated in the concept some of the old vehicle’s design such as the lowered rear window, the lateral badge placement and also a little bit of the front end.
There are small chances that the Bmw M1 Hommage could see a limited production in a very small scale, but for the moment this still remains a rumor. For the folks who don’t know the 1978 Bmw M1 was powered by a 3.5 liter engine developing 270 hp and was capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. Although Bmw did not reveal any technical specifications there are sources who admit the existence of a powerful V10 5.0 liter engine capable of delivering 600+ hp.
BMW launched the M1 in autumn 1978 at the 64th Paris Motor Show. Sports car fans and lovers were able to admire a super-low, extremely dynamic new model making it quite clear at very first sight that this was Germany’s fastest road-going sports car: the BMW M1, 277 bhp strong, and well over 160 mph fast. That was indeed quite something, considering that BMW’s super-sports car had a price-tag back then in 1978 of exactly DM 100,000, enough for four BMW 323is plus a couple of optional extras.
Choosing the engine, BMW Motorsport GmbH initially focused on two concepts: Advance studies of Formula engines had led, inter alia, to a ten-cylinder code-named the M81, a V-engine with its cylinders at an angle of 144°. Suitably modified, this engine was also examined for its possible use in a sports car. But then the team around BMW’s Motorsport Director Jochen Neerpasch quickly opted in favour of a new straight-six, an engine concept supported by the excellent experience BMW had gained in the CSI races.
The BMW M1 was built between 1978 and 1981. BMW built only 451 units during its life time. It was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter straight 6 engine delivering 277 hp. It could reach a top speed of 162 mph.
BMW reinvented the hatchback segment with the release of their Series 2, the only model in the class to offer rear wheel drive and longitudinal engines. The German manufacturer has decided that the success shouldn’t stop here. Therefore they intend to produce two new vehicles based on their smallest model. Baptized Series 2, the compact coupe and cabriolet will produce the ultimate thrills in their M Power installments. >> read
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