BMW steps on the exhilarator in MIAS 2018

Car shows are always about gleaming cars, almost always much-awaited new models. But the one car that I’m truly excited to see at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show (which opens tomorrow at World Trade Center and runs until Sunday) is not an all-new model. It’s not even a face-lifted new model.

The car I’m holding my breath to see in the sheetmetal is actually 40 years old, and it’s none other than the incomparable BMW M1.    

I wasn’t even a teenager when the BMW M1 hit the automotive scene in 1978. I already had a major infatuation with long-slung Italian exotics of the time, particularly the Lamborghini Countach and the Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer.

BMW X3

The Germans were still more known for luxury sedans. That is, until BMW unveiled the M1 to an unsuspecting world. Suddenly here was a waist-high German sports car that looks and goes like the Italian supercars.

Not surprisingly, the M1 was designed by an Italian design house, Giugiaro, (but built in-house by BMW). A total of 451 M1’s were produced from 1978 to 1981, 20 of which were used for BMW’s M1 Procar one-make racing series.

It was the first mid-engined BMW, and was powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-6 developing a then-heady 277ps, good for a then-astounding 260-kph top speed. Remember, this was 1978.     

And now, finally, after 40 years, an all-original BMW M1 rolls on Philippine soil.

If you fancy a 3.8-second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of 305 km/h, the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition is for you. Only 200 of this Bavarian missile will be produced.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMCACDC), the exclusive importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, is bringing in a beautifully maintained example of its iconic supercar.

And it’s not just the M1 that BMW is bringing in. For four days, the World Trade Center will be home to exquisitely rare BMW automobiles and motorcycles.

“We are proud to host an especially curated exhibit of the best of BMW at the Manila International Auto Show 2018, under the theme ‘Work and Play.’ The models that we will present truly embody not only this year’s concept, but also our promise of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ in every journey,” says Maricar Parco, SMCACDC President.

Visitors of MIAS are in for a visual feast as sought-after driving machines from BMW’s growing lineup will be on display. The all-new BMW X3, the M division’s incredibly quick BMW M2, the elegant yet sporty five-door liftback BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the BMW S 1000 RR superbike, the urban dwellers’ favorite BMW G 310 R, and the first-ever BMW G 310 GS are among the exclusive highlights that will exhilarate show-goers.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe combines the elegance of a sedan, the sporty styling of a coupe, and the versatility of a hatchback.

BMW “M” fans have more reason to celebrate as the seminal M1 will be complemented by a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of the limited 200 units of the track-ready and extremely collectible BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition.

Apart from the slew of vehicles, guests will be able to unlock a dynamic experience when they visit the BMW Pavilion. A chance to win limited BMW gifts await the young and young at heart while they indulge in the exclusive BMW Lifestyle, which will feature merchandise at special rates.

BMW is inviting everyone to discover exhilaration at MIAS 2018 from April 5 to 8 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. For more information on BMW at MIAS 2018, visit the official Facebook page of BMW Philippines (BMW.Philippines).

The spiritual successor to the timeless BMW 2002tii of the late ‘60s is this astoundingly quick BMW M2.