BMW M1 (E26) 1978 - 1981
The BMW M1 model was launched in 1978, as a result of a joint venture between the German manufacturer and Lamborghini. The M1 was the first and only model in BMW's history to be fitted with a centre-mounted powerplant - 3.5L 6-cylinder inline, gasoline - that delivered no less than 277 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. This engine was specially mounted on the BMW M1 so it could undergo ulterior racing tuning (up to 850 hp turbocharged racing variants). Lamborghini were initially commissioned to design car's chassis and work out the assembly details but, due to financial difficulties, the project went on to BMW's Motorsport division. The M1 was discontinued in 1981 (456 models were built), while a M1 Homage Concept car was revealed by BMW some 17 years later.