The inspiration for the BMW 1M coupe is said to be drawn from the E30 M3. BMW likes to say that the 1M is the spiritual successor to the original M3. In fact, all of the engineers who worked on the 1M coupe were required to drive and become familiar with the E30 M3 during development. That’s how much BMW wanted the 1M coupe to emulate the E30 M3’s original spirit, while of course also accommodating for current safety required designs, customer wants, and reasonable build price. The two designs also share some common styling elements, such as aggressively flared fenders, a boxy design, upright seating position, and an overall pugnacious look.

Following our recent press test drive of the 1M coupe at Willow Springs (more on … CONTINUED

Here are some new photos of an Alpine White FEP prototype. Looks to the M5 concept for a good idea of what the camouflaged parts will look like on the production M5, although the mirrors and sideskirts will be the versions seen on the test prototypes.

Expected to debut at the M Festival at the Nurburgring in just over a month, the F10 M5 will feature the S63 Twin Turbo V8, rumored to produce more power and torque than the equivalent X5/X6M unit while producing 25% less emmisions than the outgoing V10 powered E60 M5. Final technical/performance specs have not yet been revealed, but should come at its reveal next month.

Follow all our F10 M5 coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m5/f10m5/

The BMW M1 still looks as modern and fresh now as it did when it was originally painted by Frank Stella in 1979, and now its going up for grabs at auction

The car in question is a 1979 BMW M1 which was commisioned by racer Peter Gregg to be painted by artist Frank Stella. This was infact a private owner commisioning the painting of the car, but BMW officially sanctioned the custom work. So, while it is not in BMW’s official collection of Art Cars, it is considered one of them. That makes this car that much more unique, as it would represent the only Art Car that is not in BMW’s possesion (aside from the fact that only about 500 M1’s were made).

The Guggenheim Museum … CONTINUED

With four class victories in the competition “International Engine of the Year Award” 2011, the BMW Group repeated last year’s success, whilst at the same time strengthening its position as the most successful manufacturer to take part in the competition. Four, six and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines prevailed in their respective displacement classes. The award-winning engines are featured in a number of current models of the BMW and MINI brands. In addition to the V8 power unit of the BMW M3 and the straight six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the four-cylinder diesel with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and the new four-cylinder power unit under the bonnet of the MINI Cooper S also received an Engine of the Year award. The commendation of … CONTINUED

We’ve launched our official photos threads for the 1M coupe, containing photos of actual owner’s 1M coupes. We encourage all current and future 1M owners to add your photos to the photos threads for each color.

In case you missed it, the BMW Performance Parts Manager recent revealed that the BMW Performance Power Kit will soon be coming in two stages, for both the N54 and N55 motors. Stage 1 PPK will be software upgrade only and Stage 2 PPK will be software and hardware upgrades.

According to a report out of Cardealermagazine, BMW Product Manager James Morrison says that response to the 1M has been greater then was expected and BMW is now looking at the possibility of spin-offs. Should be interesting!

BMWUSA has posted up their newest BMW 6-Series TV Ad, which is titled “The Moment”. The ad features the topless 6 barelling down canyon roads and through tunnels at good speed with the V8 growl providing a soundtrack. All the elements needed for a good commercial. The punchline at the end of course is to “Remember to Breath”, which is BMWUSA’s theme for the new 6.

I’m glad to see BMW putting out commercials like this and would love to see more like it

Our F10 5-series owner members made a strong showing at this year’s Bimmerfest this past weekend. The F10 has been available for just over a year now, which has given owners plenty of time to customize and modify the car to their own tastes and liking. Check out the gallery of F10s at Bimmerfest inside.