BMW Working On 1-Series M

BMW has looked to the 1-Series to increase sales here in America as a small and (relatively) affordable BMW. Many have pegged it as the true modern day 3-Series given the former's increase in size over the years.

Given BMW's performance prowess, it is just begging for a performance variant. A new report out says BMW could be working on introducing just that.

Instead of going after the higher end with a dedicated M performance model atop the range (Like Mercedes-Benz is doing with the SLS AMG), BMW is opting to extend the M division downmarket a bit. The recently-introduced M3 GTS is the highest they are going for now.

LeftLaneNews quotes Kay Segler, head of BMW's M division as saying: “The priority right now is a more affordable model underneath the M3.” M6, M5, M3 - M1?! That definitely isn't happening. A source from BMW told Leftlane that “The M1 name to us is a sacred thing for a car that marked an important turning point. It won’t be called the M1.”

That's a good thing - the M1 name should only be revived for a proper supercar. They're probably saving it for when they do decide to take on the SLS AMG. A 1-Series M is something planned for the car's next-generation, so don't expect it anytime soon.