I think the M1 will be interesting, I think on another forum I saw it's engine rating - a 2.4l thats turbo'd. BMW brings back FI! (was 240hp overall, not too shabby for a 'low range' BMW!) I'm sure it'll be as fun to drive as all the previous M class cars.
Kinda funny, it takes everyone else about 8 years to catch up with BMW, once a few get there (Infiniti/Nissan, a few other select vehicles), BMW raises the bar again.