The original BMW M1 was produced from 1978 to 1981, and despite several concepts and reported development programs over the past decades, BMW has never introduced a direct successor. During conversations held on the sidelines of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the company’s senior M executives once again discussed their ambitions for such a model.
The renewed comments come as BMW continues expanding its high-performance lineup while also developing future electric platforms and limited-production collector vehicles. According to BMW Blog, the executives’ remarks provide one of the clearest indications yet that enthusiasm for an M1 revival still exists inside BMW M, even if no production program has been approved.
BMW M Executives Openly Discuss Their Dream of Reviving the M1
Speaking with BMW Blog during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel made no secret of his personal ambition to see the iconic supercar return.
“I’m in love with the original M1, but I would love to do a new one,” van Meel said.
BMW M Head of Design Oliver Heilmer echoed that sentiment and revealed that the idea remains an ongoing topic within the design department.
“I must be honest, we are always dreaming about it. And maybe someday, we [will] find the right window of opportunity where we have the capacity to work on a car like that. And also, the company, BMW Group, says, ‘Okay, go for it.’ We never give up, I can promise you that, but actually it’s not here yet,” Heilmer said.
His comments indicate that while designers continue exploring concepts for a successor to the E26-generation M1, the necessary corporate approval has not yet been granted.
Previous Projects Show BMW Has Already Explored the Idea
According to BMW Blog, BMW has come close to building a new supercar on at least two occasions. The Vision M Next concept had been scheduled for production before the project was cancelled due to uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and high development costs. The planned vehicle was intended to be a plug-in supercar.
BMW was also reportedly developing an all-electric supercar producing more than 1,200 horsepower. The source notes that the Neue Klasse platform is capable of delivering up to 1,341 horsepower, serving as the basis for both the Vision M Neue Klasse concept and the future electric M3. Despite those capabilities, neither project reached production.
Limited-Production “Dream Car” Has Reportedly Received Approval
BMW M may still have an exclusive model in development for a small group of customers. Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW M, said in July last year that a small-series M vehicle had received internal approval. She reportedly described it as a “dream car” intended “for collectors,” although few additional details were disclosed.
BMW has previously launched several exclusive collector models, including the limited-production 3.0 CSL, as well as the more recent Skytop and Speedtop.
The source further reports that BMW’s S58 engine is receiving pre-chamber ignition technology to remain compliant with future regulations, though no confirmation has been given that it will power any future M1-inspired model. At present, both Frank van Meel and Oliver Heilmer maintain that the ambition exists, but approval for a new mid-engine BMW supercar has yet to be secured.
