After what seems like an eternity, BMW has finally lifted the wraps off the most extreme iteration of the 1 Series to date – the BMW 1 Series M Coupé.
At the heart of this mighty mite sits the twin-turbocharged 3,0-litre straight-six (N54) engine. Mated with a six-speed manual transmission (you can hear the purists rejoicing from here), this unit develops 250 kW at 5 900 r/min and redlines at 7 000 r/min. Torque is a meaty 450 N.m between 1 500 and 4 500 r/min. The engine features an electronically-managed overboost function that will temporarily increase torque under full load to 500 N.m, helping the 1 495 kg coupé to hit 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 4,9 seconds on the way to an electronically-governed 250 km/h top speed.
BMW used the 135i Coupé chassis as a foundation for this model, adding significant modifications in the shape of a 71 mm wider front track, a rear track that grows by 46 mm and ride height lowered by 20 mm. This model also features a variable M differential lock. That responds to differences in rotational speeds in the right and left rear wheel, redirecting drive torque in a fraction of a second.
The driver aids have also received an M-flavoured shot in the arm – in addition to the usual cast of Dynamic Stability Control governing the ABS with brake-assist, an anti-slip control function and Cornering Brake Control, the 1 Series M Coupé also features an M Dynamic Mode that raises the intervention thresholds of the DSC system to enable slight amounts of dynamic oversteer and facilitates pull-away on loose/slippery surfaces.
Stopping power is provided by a brake set-up similar to that of the current M3, with 360 mm vented and drilled discs up front and 350mm vented and drilled discs at the rear.
BMW has beefed up the Coupé’s looks with an aggressive front air dam treatment, prominently-flared wheelarches, sporty side skirts and air ducts incorporated into the front wings to aid heat dissipation whilst reducing air pressure in the engine bay at high speeds. The rear features a small boot spoiler, and a re-sculpted valance that flares on either side to frame two pairs of chromed exhaust tips. The interior treatment is more subtle, comprising a three-spoke M-sports steering wheel, model-specific instrument displays and a smattering of Alcantara trim.
The 1 Series M Coupé will be offered in a choice of just three colours: Alpine White non-metallic, Sapphire Black metallic and Valencia orange.
Its official debut will take place at January’s Detroit Motor Show before local sales commence in May 2011.
Click on the VIDEO tab to the top,right of the above images to see the BMW 1 series M Coupe in action.
Click here to view a gallery and specifications of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe.
