BMW's Next-Gen Supercar: Is This the M1 Successor We've Been Waiting For?
Could it be that BMW is finally giving us a long-belated spiritual successor to the iconic M1? Last week's revealing spy shots of a supercar-like prototype suggest as much. While it might not be a fully-fledged supercar, the prototype certainly has all the makings of a dedicated sports car. The tantalizing spy images have ignited speculation and excitement, leading us to imagine what might be hiding beneath that clever camouflage.
Decoding the Camouflage: Is It Really a BMW?
You might ask, how do we know this is indeed a BMW? For starters, the telltale kidney grille and the characteristic camouflage pattern point directly to the German luxury brand. Moreover, the test car was unmistakably flaunting Neue Klasse design elements. The prototype seemed to seamlessly combine aesthetics from the Vision Neue Klasse concepts with the sleek silhouette reminiscent of the 2019 M Vision Next. Let's not forget; the latter almost became the I16, a project that BMW ultimately shelved in 2020.
There's more to this mysterious car than meets the eye. Our speculative electric coupe from Bavaria, much like the car spotted last week, features full-size side mirrors and windshield wipers. These elements are typically found on prototypes that are not far from production. If this is the case, BMW may be planning to make a sensational entry into the high-performance electric vehicle market using its Neue Klasse platform. Recall how the i3 and i8, both trailblazing electric models, set the stage for BMW's EV efforts in the early 2010s.
Power Under the Hood: What Can We Expect?
The test car appeared to showcase a quad-motor setup with hub motors, suggested by the absence of visible brake calipers. This implies an enormously high total output, which isn't far-fetched given BMW's technology advancements. Back in September 2022, BMW announced that it had developed the technology for a sporty EV boasting over 1,300 horsepower. Moreover, BMW i Ventures has invested $16.1 million in DeepDrive, a German startup that has innovated a radial flux dual-rotor electric motor, specifically designed for in-wheel applications. If the stars align, this could pave the way for a rather revolutionary, high-performance supercar.
Production or Limited Edition?
If the higher-ups at BMW's Munich headquarters have greenlit this exciting project, it’s unlikely to be a standard production model. Instead, we speculate it might be a limited-run vehicle with an astronomical price tag. Could this become the most expensive new BMW ever? To claim that title, its price would have to exceed the jaw-dropping €750,000 that the company reportedly charged for the 3.0 CSL.
All in all, BMW enthusiasts and automotive aficionados will undoubtedly keep their eyes peeled for more information on this enigmatic prototype. Could it be the long-awaited M1 successor, or is BMW crafting a brand-new chapter in their storied history of high-performance engineering? Only time will tell, but the automotive world can hardly wait.
Image credits go to @futurecarsnow for their captivating renders that have left us all yearning for more.