The legendary BMW M1 might have only been around for a few short years, but its impact has been massive. It has been nearly half a century since the wedge-shaped, mid-engined supercar entered production, but it is one model that even today’s BMW executives can’t stop thinking about. Frank van Meel, BMW M’s boss, expressed his love for the original M1 and his desire to create a new one, sparking hopes for a potential successor to the legendary supercar.
Oliver Heilmer, the head of M Design, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that a new M1 could be a great addition to the BMW lineup. While BMW has never made a proper M1 successor, the automaker has considered it on several occasions and even came close to producing a new one based on the 2019 Vision M Next Concept, which featured a 600-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.
View Price on AmazonThe Vision M Next Concept was "95 percent finished," according to BMW author and historian Steve Saxty. The automaker was planning to launch the car sometime in 2022, but instead shifted its focus to the XM SUV and marketed the XM as the M1 successor. However, the XM has not been the hit that BMW was hoping for, with the automaker discontinuing the base version for 2026 and slashing the price of the XM Black Label.
While van Meel might love to do a new M1, such a car is unlikely to arrive anytime soon from the automaker. A mid-engine supercar would require a considerable investment at a time when the industry's future remains uncertain. Spending that kind of money on such a low-volume model makes no sense right now.
Source: motor1.com
