Frankfurt  - Borrowing design cues from the legendary M1 sports car, BMW is presenting a hybrid concept sports car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in direct contrast to its horsepower dominated competitors.

The M1 Concept is much smaller than the M1 Hommage seen at the famous Italian classic car event Villa d'Este last year, measuring 4.5 metres in length - about the size of a BMW 3-Series, according to images circulating on the internet.

Germany's auto-motor-sport magazine meanwhile reports that the car will feature electric engines positioned on both the front and rear axles in combination with a small combustion engine that brings carbon dioxide emission down to under 100 grammes per kilometre.

Performance figures are said to to be in the impressive range of a Porsche 911, according to the report.

BMW spokesmen have said in the past that they are working on a "green" sports car built with sustainable materials.

The original M1, produced between 1978-1981, celebrated much success on the race track. The mid-engined car designed by Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro had an output of 204 kW/273 hp in the road version. (dpa)