BMW’s only true production supercar could one day make a return. While there are no official plans to revive the iconic M1, two of the company’s top performance executives have admitted they would love to build a modern successor.
The comments came during an interview with BMW Blog at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where BMW M CEO Frank van Meel and BMW M Head of Design Oliver Heilmer were asked what dream project they would pursue if given unlimited freedom. Both executives immediately pointed to the same car: the legendary BMW M1.
Their remarks stop well short of confirming a new production model, but they offer another indication that enthusiasm for an M1 revival remains alive inside BMW’s performance division. Previous concepts and cancelled projects have shown that the idea has surfaced more than once over the past two decades.
Whether those ambitions ever become reality will ultimately depend on business considerations, development priorities, and approval from BMW Group. Even so, hearing the company’s performance leadership openly discuss the possibility is likely to excite enthusiasts who have long hoped for another mid-engined BMW flagship.
The Dream of a Modern M1 Lives On
When asked what vehicle they would build if money and approval were no object, BMW M Head of Design Oliver Heilmer answered without hesitation: the M1.
Frank van Meel quickly agreed, explaining that while he admires the original M1, his vision would be an entirely new interpretation rather than a direct recreation. The comments suggest BMW’s performance division continues to view the M1 as one of the brand’s most significant icons.
Heilmer also acknowledged that the idea is discussed internally from time to time, adding that the project would require the right opportunity, sufficient engineering resources, and approval from BMW Group before it could move beyond the drawing board.
BMW Has Explored the Idea Before
This is far from the first time BMW has flirted with the idea of a new halo supercar. In 2008, the company unveiled the M1 Homage concept to celebrate the original model’s 30th anniversary. Although that vehicle never entered production, elements of its design later influenced the BMW i8.
BMW also revealed the Vision M Next concept in 2019, showcasing a dramatic plug-in hybrid sports car that many believed previewed a future flagship. Reports later suggested development was halted as the company reassessed priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic and rising development costs.
Over the years, industry rumors have also linked BMW to several high-performance electric supercar projects, though none have reached production.
A Different Kind of Performance Car
If a modern M1 eventually reaches showrooms, it would almost certainly differ significantly from the original 1978 model.
The first-generation M1 featured a naturally aspirated inline-six engine mounted behind the driver and became BMW’s only production mid-engined supercar. Today, evolving emissions regulations, electrification, and advances in performance technology would likely shape any future successor.
BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture has already demonstrated enormous performance potential, and the company’s upcoming generation of high-performance electric models could provide the technical foundation for an entirely new flagship.
Whether that flagship ultimately relies on hybrid power, full electrification, or an advanced combustion engine remains unknown.
Timing Will Be the Biggest Challenge
Beyond engineering, BMW would also need to justify the business case for an expensive low-volume supercar. The market for six-figure performance cars remains highly competitive, and development costs continue rising across the industry.
Recent reports have indicated BMW has already approved a limited-production “dream car” aimed at collectors, following the success of exclusive models such as the 3.0 CSL, Skytop, and Speedtop. While BMW has not revealed what that project will be, it demonstrates the company remains interested in creating special halo vehicles.
For now, a new M1 remains an aspiration rather than an official product. Nevertheless, hearing both the head of BMW M and the division’s design chief express the same ambition suggests the legendary nameplate continues to hold a special place inside BMW—and perhaps one day, the stars may align for its long-awaited return.