As if the 135i wasn’t powerful enough, BMW is putting the finishing touches on the 1 M Coupé, the most hardcore 1 Series to date.
Inspired by the 1988 M3, the 1 M Coupé will, according to BMW, combine the raw capabilities of a race car with the agility, versatility and seating position of a compact BMW.
The first noticeable aspect about the 1 M (don’t call it M1) is that it’s larger at the wheel wells. The front and rear track are now both the same length at 1,542 mm (the 135i’s rear track is slightly longer than the front one), while 19-inch M alloy wheels wrapped with 245/35R19 front and 265/35R19 rear tires are also part of the deal.
The braking system features cross-drilled discs, and the steering includes speed-sensitive assist, or Servotronic in BMW-speak. An exclusive exhaust system provides extra aural excitement.
Ah, but the crown jewel of the 1 M Coupé is what lurks underhood. Actually, it’s the same engine that’s found in the 335is and the Z4 sDrive35is, a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 that dishes out 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. According to BMW, the car includes an electronic overboost function that temporarily increases torque to 369 lb-ft.
Unlike the other two road rockets mentioned above, the 1 M won’t offer the company’s 7-speed, dual-clutch automated gearbox, only a conventional 6-speed manual. An M Drive button is also included which alters throttle response when activated, while a variable M differential lock controls the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels for just the right level of traction.
So equipped, the 1 M should reach 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds. In comparison, that’s a hair slower than the M3 Coupé (4.8), but slightly quicker than the 335is (5.4) and Z4 sDrive35is (5.0).
Something new BMW is trying on the 1 M Coupé are air curtains; they consist of openings at the front of each wheel arch, which re-route the air to aerodynamically shield the front wheels, this reducing turbulence.
Three paint colours will be available: Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic and the exclusive Valencia Orange Metallic.
That’s about all BMW is willing to share with us at the moment. The 1 Series M Coupé will arrive in Canada next spring, in limited quantities, but pricing has not yet been disclosed.
Inspired by the 1988 M3, the 1 M Coupé will, according to BMW, combine the raw capabilities of a race car with the agility, versatility and seating position of a compact BMW.
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| 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupé (Photo: BMW Canada) |
The braking system features cross-drilled discs, and the steering includes speed-sensitive assist, or Servotronic in BMW-speak. An exclusive exhaust system provides extra aural excitement.
Ah, but the crown jewel of the 1 M Coupé is what lurks underhood. Actually, it’s the same engine that’s found in the 335is and the Z4 sDrive35is, a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 that dishes out 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. According to BMW, the car includes an electronic overboost function that temporarily increases torque to 369 lb-ft.
 |
| 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupé (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Unlike the other two road rockets mentioned above, the 1 M won’t offer the company’s 7-speed, dual-clutch automated gearbox, only a conventional 6-speed manual. An M Drive button is also included which alters throttle response when activated, while a variable M differential lock controls the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels for just the right level of traction.
So equipped, the 1 M should reach 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds. In comparison, that’s a hair slower than the M3 Coupé (4.8), but slightly quicker than the 335is (5.4) and Z4 sDrive35is (5.0).
Something new BMW is trying on the 1 M Coupé are air curtains; they consist of openings at the front of each wheel arch, which re-route the air to aerodynamically shield the front wheels, this reducing turbulence.
 |
| 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupé (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Three paint colours will be available: Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic and the exclusive Valencia Orange Metallic.
That’s about all BMW is willing to share with us at the moment. The 1 Series M Coupé will arrive in Canada next spring, in limited quantities, but pricing has not yet been disclosed.
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