German tuner Hartge is well known for placing large capacity M-division engines into the BMW’s smaller models. This time around, the Merzig-based firm has breathed on the 1 Series Coupé, but surprisingly, its engine has been left untouched…
If Hartge isn’t stuffing the M5’s 5,0-litre V10 powerplant into a 3 Series shell, then its engineers are occupied with creating engine enhancements that extract every last ounce of performance out of the cars that enter its premises. Although it might seem ripe for the picking (especially with the prospect of a production 1 Series tii), the 1 Series leaves Merzig without automotive heart surgery or extensive engine re-programming – it appears the “tuning upgrade” is merely cosmetic.
Powered by BMW’s award-winning 3,0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, there might not be any hurried need for more performance, but considering that Hartge saw it fit to fettle with the 4,0-litre V8 in the M3 and offers upped ECUs for the 1 Series Coupe’s hatchback sibling, its unlikely that this will be the case much longer.
The new suspension is fully adjustable and makes the 1 Series Coupé sit low, filling the wheel arches with the same rims that upon which Hartge’s M3 rides – these range from 18-inch examples with 225/40 section rubber to 19-inchers equipped with 255/30 section tyres. Other add-ons include carbon fibre mirrors that continue the race-inspired theme of the interior with carbon-fibre trim, Hartge aluminium pedals and three-spoke sports steering wheel.
The tuning package is more of a tuning programme because Hartge offers several options which can be combined to suit the taste of the owner – therefore prices can range widely but these programmes are known to cost as much as R75 000.
