BMW has released a video that confirms it will build an M1 Coupé - though it's likely to be called the 1 Series M Coupé.
The original M1 was a mid-engined supercar built from 1978-1981. The 1 Series-based M car sits at the opposite end of the M spectrum; it's a junior M3, the first step on the rarefied M Division ladder.
A 1 Series M car has been on the cards for some time, loosely evidenced by a stream of spy shots showing an obviously high-performance 1 Series Coupé under development.
But the slightly portentous video announcement is nonetheless achingly thrilling. In it, BMW M Division Boss Kay Segler says "we are here to realise dreams."
"So many people out there just dreaming to have a BMW M Car," he says. The video offers scant detail of the car, but is quite blatant in its appraisal of the forthcoming 1 Series as a 'pure M car'.
How affordable it is remains to be seen, but bank on at least £35,000. It will be unveiled in full before the end of 2010, though there are no details on the engine or specification just yet. Here's hoping for something high-revving with a manual gearbox...
17 May: Ford owners with cars using the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine can now get up to 34 extra horsepower from Superchips. The remap costs £445 including VAT and is covered by a 12-month, 30,000-mile warranty.
16 May: The Porsche Museum is participating in the Mille Miglia recreation from 17-20 May. A 550 Spyder, three 356 Speedsters and a 356 Coupé will tackle the course that runs from Brescia to Rome.
16 May: Four Toyota GT86s and one Lexus LFA will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race this weekend. Gazoo Racing will campaign the LFA and two GT86s, painted in black, white and red. The team has already had two class wins at the circuit with the Lexus. [photo]
