BMW M1 won’t be resurrected, BMW M CEO confirms

BMW M1 won’t be resurrected, BMW M CEO confirms

According to a report by CarAdvice, BMW is not looking to offer a specially-developed supercar like its rivals (i.e. the Mercedes-AMG Project One). Instead, it will focus on high-performance cars for the masses rather than small-number niche vehicles.

“We are trying to make cars for customers, and trying to reach as many customers as possible – but to build a car for 200 people would not be our main target,” said Frank Van Meel, CEO of BMW’s M division.

“Of course, it’s a dream for every engineer to do such a thing, we are always dreaming about something like that. But, to be honest, instead of having one flagship, we would rather have an armada of fast vessels to attack a broader range of possible customer groups,” he added.

While the company has the means to develop a dedicated platform for a vehicle that competes against the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Audi R8, such a move isn’t in line with what the company stands for – taking a series production car and making a high-performance version of it.

2008 BMW M1 Homage concept

“That’s what we stand for and what we grew up with and what is expected from us. Of course, it is always the question of ‘can’t you do this or that’, because someone else has this or that, but I don’t see the need for M to make such a very niche product,” he explained.

Therefore, the need for a halo sportscar or supercar isn’t in the company’s immediate interest, which is instead focused on expanding its line-up with new cars like the new M8, among others. “I think also M is the ultimate driving machine, and I don’t need something to make clear that we really are the ultimate driving machine,” said Van Meel.

“We have the M2 to the X6 M to say that – I don’t need a halo car to bring out the message. I don’t feel the need to have a halo car. I would like to make one personally, because it’s fun to do, but we don’t have the necessity,” he continued.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • turboed on Sep 18, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    BMW i8 4.4 twinturbo. Period

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • If only P1 can think like this…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • It is just an excuse from BMW because Mercedes-Benz is already way ahead because of their involvement in Formula 1.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 8
    • Sal Glow on Sep 19, 2017 at 6:28 am

      Merc is just riding a wave of popularity now. Before this it was BMW that was more popular. Things can change and it can change fast. Mercedes Formula 1 success does not mean it can make great road cars as seen by the fact that the C, E and S class being less performance orientated than its competition from BMW until today.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
      • Yes, things change but presently is what counts. We are talking about supercars here. Maybe C,E,S classes are not a good reference.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Annoynimouse on Sep 19, 2017 at 9:54 am

      Excuse or no excuse, it is a sensible business decision. The guy said it himself that he personally would like to build one, but the decision is made for the benefit of the company.
      As far as racing is concerned, there are other platforms for BMW to compete against M-B e.g. the DTM where, unlike F1, cars quite closely resemble actual production models.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
      • That is why I said it is an excuse. Honda is a good example of past glories do not guarantee present or future success. Continuous involvement and continuous improvement are the key. Btw, MB will pull-out from DTM in 2018.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • sonyman on Sep 18, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    ooooo,,, the concept looks so nice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • Jonn Dol on Sep 18, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    The BMW M1 is still one of the best looking & best handling supercar ever produced , and would’nt look out of place next to a Ferrari, Lambo or Porsche of the same era. But it was strictly a product of BMW Motorsport co-developed with Dallara for the Group 5 series , and the parent BMW AG was simply not interested to further commercialize it because one of the reason BMW brand was not really a supercar brand , and that continues until today..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 26
 

Add a comment

required

required