BMW to Make Project i Coupe in 2013

BMW’s first (and last) attempt at making a mid-engined supercar, the M1, was somewhat of a disaster for the company. Sold between 1978 and 1981, the model was more expensive and less powerful than the Ferraris and Astons of its time. However its in-line 6-cylinder engine was later used in the M3 and M5, making the supercar the launching point for BMW’s current M range.

BMW might be putting the M1 badge on a mid-engines supercar once again. And this is not the first time we have heard that BMW is bringing the M1 back. This time however, details have surfaced that a new coupe produced by the Bavarian manufacturer will hit showrooms floors in 2013. The model that will serve as a platform for the M1 is called the Project i Coupe and will be based on the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept we saw at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The coupe will be powered by a three cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled to two electric motors or a hybrid powerplant.

What's more important though is that BMW reportedly plans to make an M1, powered by a 6-cylinder turbo engine (that will be pulled from the upcoming M3) or a small V8. As for the normal i100 Coupe, this will benefit from 185 hp from its 1.5 TDI and and an extra 190 hp from its electric motors. For both engine variants, a double clutch gearbox and all wheel drive are available.

Production should take place at BMW’s plant in Landshut, where 30,000 units are expected to be manufactured within 5 years. Prices for the German market are rumored to be between EUR125,000 and EUR175,000 ($175,000 and $250,000).