The BMW M1 (or 1M) is making its presence known on the 'Ring and elsewhere... including in the background of our 2012 BMW M5 spy photos. One more shot below.

It seems to be an open secret BMW's developing an M version of the 1-series coupe. Will this"M1" be like the heavy, torque-free BMW M3 or the legendary lightweight performance cars of yore? Possibly-leaked information may shed some light.

After throwing an M badge on all manner of crossovers and SUVs, BMW may finally bestow one upon the 1-series — creating the BMW M1 — a twin-turbo I6-powered 350 HP Bavarian cream puff.

According to Edmunds Straightline, the BMW M1 is back in 2012 as a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbodiesel straight out of the EfficientDynamics concept to fight off the Audi R8 and SLS AMG.