A prototype of what could be the 2022 BMW M140i has been spied testing on the Nurburgring under heavy camouflage.

The current-generation 1-Series family is topped out by the M135i, a formidable rival to the likes of the Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG A 35. However, the previous-generation 1-Series was topped out by a more powerful M140i variant and it seems likely that BMW will offer such a version of the current 1-Series and positioned as a rival to the VW Golf R, Audi RS3, and Mercedes-AMG A 45.

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As standard, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the M135i pumps out 302 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It is possible that BMW could retain this engine for the M140i but modify it to produce at least 350 hp, giving the VW Golf R a run for its money. However, if BMW wants to match the RS3 and A 45 in performance, this engine will need more than 400 hp on tap.

This prototype is bathed in heavy camouflage and while it could be an M140i, there’s no guarantee that it is. There’s also no guarantee that the M140i will have a 2.0-liter turbo-four.

You see, BMW announced not too long ago that it is developing an M240i xDrive model to top out the 2-Series range until a new M2 arrives. This model will feature the brand’s 3.0-liter B58 turbocharged inline-six with over 380 hp and it’s entirely possible that the M140i could use the same engine. The soundtrack of this 1-Series prototype seems to suggest it has a four-cylinder, meaning it could be a lesser variant.

Nevertheless, the promise of a new hot hatch from BMW is enough to get anyone excited.