German’s webzine Auto-News interviewed BMW M Division’s Dr. Kay Segler after the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. Segler admitted that his motorsport division was developing a baby M powered car based on the 135i. The car will aim to admit younger buyers into the M club, given how out-of-reach the current entry-level M3 has become.
The name M1 is out of question due to respect for the original supercar (1978 to 1981) and wasnt confirmed to be the 135is either. The power unit is also unknown but it is assumed to pack more than the 322-340 bhp offered by the special Performance Power Kit. It goes on sale in relatively small numbers from the end of 2011.
Also Segler confirmed the new M5 will appear in late 2011. Its engine is based on the 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 found in the X series M’s. The two pack a respectable 547 bhp, but the M5 is expected to top them considering the RS6 is 580 hp so expect a competitive power output.
Suppose this would be hard to dispute considering our photos of both M division cars.
Source: auto-news.de
