The design of the M1 is credited to Giorgetto Giugiaro, but there were obviously influences from the 1972 BMW Turbo concept car that was penned by Paul Bracq. By most accounts, the former appears to be the most accurate scenario. There’s still some speculation as to whether the original intention for the M1 was as a pure race car, and the road car sprung from the need to homologate the model for the Group 4 category (400 road-going examples were required to be built), or whether the racing was merely a way to promote the car and M brand. By the mid-1970s, the M division was looking farther afield both in terms of its racing and business opportunities.
The mainstays of the M division’s early efforts were the 3.0 CSL and the 2002 Turbo. From the legendary, mid-engined M1 to the brand new XM, M3 Touring and M4 CSL, Munich’s hot shop has woven a thread of dynamic greatness that strives to place the driver at the centre of the experience.īMW’s M division was founded in 1972 to formalise the brand’s motorsport operation, much of which was built around various touring car championships, primarily in Germany and broader Europe. This provides Bernd Mayländer and Richard Darker with an additional warning to prepare for action.Number One The M badge has sat on the rump of some of Automotive Daily’s favourite-ever cars and it all started with the legendary M1.ĪCROSS ONE LETTER and a handful of numbers, BMW’s M division has captured the thrill of driving for 50 years. In the event of an accident on the track that exceeds a critical g-force threshold, the LEDs flash several times. Darker must also watch the race action on two screens and follow a 'marshalling system', showing the flag signals on each section of track. While Mayländer has to focus on the track ahead when the safety car is called out while observing what is happening in his rear-view mirror at the same time, co-driver Richard Darker is responsible for maintaining radio contact with race control. To have a workplace like this in the name of safety is a dream come true." It really is a major step forward compared to last year's GT R which was already at an extremely high level. I've already had the chance to test this amazing vehicle on numerous occasions and I'm simply blown away by how close it is to a thoroughbred racing car. "And I'm particularly pleased this year to be in a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.
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