After much anticipation, the new BMW 1-Series M Coupe was finally revealed to the world today. As you can see for yourselves in the photo gallery after the jump, the Bavarian maker tries its best to convince us about the similarities between the original 1988 M3 E30 and its most recent creation to wear the coveted M badge, but we'll that on the side for now.
Starting with the name, the reason why BMW went for the somewhat awkward sounding 1-Series M Coupe moniker, is to avoid any confusions with the legendary M1. The smallest and most economically priced model of the M family is based on the 135i Coupe.
However, it is 0.2 inches (5mm) longer, 2.1 inches (53mm) wider, 0.5 inches (13mm) taller than its 135i sibling, while it tips the scales at 1,495kg DIN (3,296 lbs), meaning it weighs 35kg (77 lbs,) less. BMW says the weight distribution is almost perfect at (51.7/48.3).
Under the bonnet, we find the Z4 35iS' 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six, which produces 335-horsepower at 5,900 rpm, with the redline set at 7,000 rpm. There's also 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque available from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm, while an overboost function briefly increases this by another 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) to 369 lb-ft.
At launch, the 1-Series M Coupe will be offered exclusively with a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels through a variable M differential lock. BMW claims the sports car will complete the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph [96km/h] in just 4.7 seconds (0-100 kmh in 4.9 seconds), and the standing quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (250 kmh).
Moving on to the chassis upgrades, the baby M model features new aluminum suspension parts sourced from the M3 as well as a more powerful braking system with internally-vented, cross-drilled cast iron discs measuring 14.2 inches (360mm) in diameter at the front and 13.8 inches (350mm) in the rear. The rack-and-pinion steering is fitted with the hydraulic power steering system called Servotronic, which regulates boost in relation to road speed.
As with other M cars, the new 1 Series model features the steering wheel-mounted M Drive button that adjusts the throttle response program for the sportiest driving.
The 1 Series M Coupe rides on M-specific, light-alloy cross-spoke wheels from the M3 Competition Package and limited-production M3 GTS. The alloy wheels measure 19 x 9 inches with 245/35/R19 low-profile tires at the front and 19 x 10 inches with 265/35/R19 tires at the rear, and are finished in silver.
On the outside, the M car boasts a new bodykit with new bumpers and spoilers, side skirts, unique mirrors, plus the traditional quad-exhaust tail pipes, heavily blistered wheel arches and LED tail lights. There are three exterior paint finishes to choose from including, Alpine White non-metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic and the Valencia Orange Metallic, which is available exclusively for this model.
Inside, we find the typical upgrades for an M model such as the unique trim, sports steering wheel and seats, heaps of leather and alcantara decorated with orange contrast stitching, and a revamped instrument panel.
BMW said the 2011 1 Series M Coupe will be available in limited quantities starting from Spring of 2011, adding that final pricing, packages, and options will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
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14 Comments:
Does not look as good as I thought it would in the pictures, I'll wait to see it in person. That said, they need more colors. A BMW that is not offered in Silve or Blue is borderline heresy! I say offer a limited edition in Frozen Gray. And the //M colors are a must: Carbon Black, Imola Red and LeMans Blau or some variation of that theme.
Quote "The rack-and-pinion steering is fitted with the hydraulic power steering system called Servotronic,....."
I couldn't stop laughing when reading this. So sad for the company once called their products "the ultimate driving machine" now flooded with all electronic gizmo and models no true drivers want.
I agree with Andrew about the colors. M colors are legendary and they belong to this car. I'm a little disappointed that BMW changed the clasic orange lights for the instrument cluster. That's an unique feature for BMW's and has been for many years until now. It's a shame, because we don't want the gauges to get an "Audi look-a-like" with red and white everywhere. The alcantara and the clasic shift knob fit the "M" pattern, but a pair of true sport Recaro seats, half leather, half alcantara would be the boost for this car's interior, and will give a big grin on people's faces when they open the door. Because this is an interior that claims racing, thus it needs more flavour. I mean, come on, the Recaro on the E30 look way better than those boring leather orange stiched seats we find in the 1 series M. At least put some M stripes on them. Overall, the car looks great. It's an M after all, but there are some improvements BMW needs to consider. It will make the car fit better in the M squad. Looking forward for the price and options, keep it real BMW.
This turned out much better than I expected - to the point that I would consider buying. Two questions: can anyone speculate on price? Secondly, will a paddle/DSG auto trans be offered?
Wow 1,495kg of a 1-series,
as compared to:
1070kg of the original m3 e30.
Why do you make your cars so FAT?
What an improvement.. gone is the blobby roundy shape. BMW have upped their game with this new M, wow what a fantastic looking car.. No wait a minute, the 'new' one is the cheepo 1series jellymould rep-mobile on the left. My hopes were up.
"I'm a little disappointed that BMW changed the clasic orange lights for the instrument cluster. That's an unique feature for BMW's and has been for many years until now."
It's not unique to BMW.
what's up with the mouse fur on the dash and door panels?
"COLORS and LIGHTS, and how it looks!" :D good points for the future of M vision with the new customers!!
They should have called this the M1. Who is going to confuse this with the M1 from the 70's?
Indeed,the lights may not be unique, but orange has been at least a reference for BMW.
I for one can understand why they didn't call it the M1, but why didn't they call it something along the lines of the 135M?
"now flooded with all electronic gizmo and models no true drivers want."
Says who? You can look elsewhere for your Fred Flintstone caveman special. I'll take the latest high tech developments thank you. PS - Notice how "low tech" F1 cars are. Sorry, but you're wrong, the reasons these high tech cars exist is because people want the latest and greatest.
Spot on! Any one know where pic's were taken?
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