Riffing off the success of the M1 mid-engine supercar of the '80s and the McLaren F1 supercar of the '90s, the next BMW exotic will have none of the retro feel of the current Z8. The new M1 is slated to come with an innovative I-6 and/or a version of the current M5's V-8 engine. BMW Motorsport and the automaker's advanced design groups are charged with developing a super-light sports car, weighing no more than 1000 kilograms (about 2205 pounds). Its internal-development name is "Smart Ultralight Special," and it bridges the gap between a BMW road car and its Le Mans and Formula One efforts.
Williams Engineering is said to be working on the suspension package, although the BMW-Williams F1 deal is up for renewal in 2004. That would not be unprecedented, since the BMW-McLaren F1 road-car project extended past the BMW-McLaren racing relationship. One glitch: With new 6, 5, 3, and 1 Series on the way (following this year's Z4), there's some indication the M1 may not get here any time soon.
The M1's innovative I-6 is described as a direct-injection direct-ignition 3.6-liter/ 24-valve engine made of magnesium, with an aluminum head. It's capable of 375 horsepower in naturally aspirated form. A low-inertia supercharger could boost power to 450 horses or more. Expect a sequential six-speed manual and dynamic traction control.