BMW M’s Two Top Bosses Want the Same Dream Car: A Modern M1 Supercar

BMW M’s leadership and design chief are singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to their ultimate dream project: a modern successor to the legendary 1978–1981 BMW M1 supercar. Speaking at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW M boss Frank van Meel and design director Oliver Heilmer both answered the same question with the same one-word reply: “M1.” The original M1 remains one of BMW’s most iconic performance cars, a mid-engined supercar that bridged the gap between road and racing. Its absence from BMW’s current lineup has left a conspicuous gap in the brand’s performance hierarchy, especially as rivals like Audi and Mercedes-Benz have repeatedly re-entered the supercar arena with halo models such as the R8, Nuvolari, SLS AMG, and AMG GT. Van Meel and Heilmer made their comments during the unveiling of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse and the electric M3 concept, emphasizing BMW’s commitment to electrification while also acknowledging the emotional pull of a return to the supercar segment. A new M1 would need to live up to the legacy of the original, blending cutting-edge technology with the raw driving experience that defines the M brand. However, the practical hurdles are steep. Unlike Audi, which can leverage shared platforms within the Volkswagen Group (e.g., the Nuvolari’s ties to the Lamborghini Temerario), BMW would have to develop the car entirely in-house, either with a bespoke powertrain or by adapting an existing engine. The challenge isn’t just technical—it’s financial and strategic. A modern M1 would require board approval and a business case strong enough to justify the investment, especially in an era where electric performance cars are reshaping the market. The timing is also critical, as BMW’s current focus is on electrifying its core models, including the upcoming electric M3. Yet the M1’s mythic status—born from a racing homologation special and immortalized in Group 4 competition—continues to haunt the halls of BMW M. Heilmer and van Meel’s shared vision suggests that the dream isn’t dead, even if the road to reality is paved with obstacles. For now, the M1 remains a tantalizing “what if,” a car that could once again elevate BMW M to the pinnacle of the performance world.