First BMW Turbo Car: The Iconic BMW M1
In 1978, BMW unveiled the M1—the first production turbo-powered car from the legendary German manufacturer, setting a new benchmark for performance and engineering excellence.
The Birth of the BMW M1
Conceived as a limited-edition supercar, the M1 emerged from BMW’s racing ambitions, featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 282 hp. Its bold design and cutting-edge technology made it a trailblazer in the turbo era, cementing BMW’s reputation for high-performance innovation.
Engineering Excellence and Handcrafted Build
The M1 blended advanced aerodynamics with precision craftsmanship, offering a rare combination of luxury and raw power. Each unit was hand-assembled, reflecting BMW’s commitment to engineering perfection and exclusivity that still resonates today.
Legacy and Influence on Future Turbo Innovations
As the world’s first production turbo car, the M1 paved the way for BMW’s future turbo engines and models. Its DNA lives on in modern BMW M cars, inspiring generations of drivers with the perfect blend of performance, agility, and sophistication.
The first BMW turbo car, the M1, remains a symbol of automotive innovation and ambition. Its legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of BMW’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries. Discover the power of the past—explore the M1 today and experience the genesis of turbo excellence.
The BMW E25 Turbo concept sports car was built by BMW as a celebration for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. [1][2] It was designed by Paul Bracq, with gullwing doors and was based on a modified 2002 chassis with a mid-mounted engine. [2].
Design pioneer, technology carrier, vision of the future: The BMW Turbo turns 50 this year. Just like BMW M. The lasting impact of BMW's turbocharged legacy on the automotive industry.
The evolution from the first turbo to modern twin. The Turbo was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine (also used by BMW for the 2002 from 1973 onwards) while a four. The BMW M12/13 turbo was a 1499.8 cc 4-cylinder turbocharged Formula One engine, based on the standard BMW M10 engine introduced in 1961, powered the F1 cars of Brabham, Arrows and Benetton.
The Turbo was not just a showpiece, it was awarded Concept Car of the Year honors in 1973, solidifying its place in automotive history. By 1979, the Turbo had evolved into the iconic M1, BMW's first M Car. By BMW Group BMW Turbo Power is a success story in motorsport - and has been for 50 years.
In 1969, BMW won the European Touring Car Championship with Dieter Quester (AUT) and the BMW 2002 TI, doing pioneering work and writing history in the process. The first BMW Turbo in motor racing. The first turbocharged M coupe specimen didn't even get a pukka M-tuned engine though, and instead had to make do with one from BMW's standard model range.
With the current BMW M3 built to deal with an environmentally focused world, BMWs first turbo car shows the direction the model could take in future. BMW launched the 2002 Turbo at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show where it caused quite the stir thanks both to its purposeful looks and the fact that it was the first turbocharged BMW. The car was fitted with a 2002 Tii engine that had a KKK turbo, Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, and a lowered compression ratio of 6.9:1.
The 2002 Turbo produced 170 hp at 5,800 rpm and 177 ft lbs of torque.