The M1 is one of the most iconic cars ever produced by BMW->ke178, and it was the model responsible for the M Division->ke546 that creates all the cars we love today, like the M5->ke2922 and the venerable M3->ke2366.

Fans of the Roundel brand have been clamoring for BMW to revive this epic nameplate and take on competitors like the Audi R8->ke1440 and Mercedes SLS AMG for years now, but there has been little movement.

Rather, what we got was a new hybrid car that looks like an M1 called the i8->ke4622. While the i8 is an incredible piece of engineering, it is not a fire-breathing M car. But what if it could be?

At the recent launch of the M3->ke2366 and M4->ke4183, CarAdvice asked M Division boss Friedrich Nitschke about the potential for this new car to spawn an M car. His response is encouraging.

When it comes to moving the advanced powertrain and lightweight carbon-fiber technology over to an M car, Nitschke said its a matter "capacity not a question of know-how." Basically, it would not be hard to move anything over, they just need approval from the higher ups in BMW. As it stands, the M Division is ready to make one, if the BMW board will green light the project.

Would you guys like to see a revived M1->ke4680 in all its mid-engined glory?

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW M1.

Why It Matters

With the M Division, every car is about pushing the envelope of performance. As we have seen with cars like the McLaren P1->ke4608 and Porsche 918->ke3629, hybridizing a supercar can have profound boosts to performance. If you were to combine the electric technology of the i8 and combine it with something like the 6.0-liter V-12 from the 760Li, you would have a world beating monster.

Thanks to all the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber in the construction of the i8, a modified version wearing an M badge would likely undercut the weight of something like the P1 by a few hundred pounds.

Imagine a V-12 hybrid with around 700 horsepower that weighs just a bit more than a Miata. That would be simply awesome.

BMW M1

The BMW M1 was a mid-engined supercar designed by BMW in the late 1970s. It was originally going to be created as a race car in conjuction with Lamborghini, but after plans with the Italian automaker fell through, BMW built it themselves.

This hand-built piece of engineering excellence is the main reason that the BMW we know and love to day exists. It was the first M car and subsequently the birth of the M Division. It's engine was modified and was used to power the first M5 and M6 cars. That same engine was also modified to Group 5 specifications and used to power racing cars.

The M1 was the first true step BMW took to becoming the performance king it is today.\

2008 BMW M1 Homage