BMW's long, agonizing roll-out of information about the 2012 1 Series M Coupe has been a bit maddening. In addition to an early video reveal, we were invited to get some seat time in a prototype of the 1M, leaving us with just the final production-spec images and details in the world of the unknown.
2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe
2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe Engine
2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe Dashboard Specification
2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe Interior Design
2012 BMW 1 Series M CoupeWell, wait no more – BMW has officially taken the wraps off of its hot new 1 Series, and while we're still very eager to put this sporty coupe through its paces, we can't help but wish for just a teensy bit more... oomph.
Let's start with power. The 1 Series M Coupe uses BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and while early estimates had the car pumping out as much as 350 horsepower, the final numbers are: 335 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque – exactly what you get out of this engine in the current Z4 sDrive35is. The car's ECU has an overboost function that provides an additional 37 lb-ft of twist at full tilt, and with your foot pressed hard into the right pedal, 0-60 will happen in just 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at – you guessed it – 155 miles per hour.
The only transmission available is a six-speed manual, though rumors have circulated about a possible twin-clutch DCT box making its way into the car down the road. Like all M cars, the 1M features an M Drive button on the steering wheel that improves throttle response. Additionally, the car is equipped with an M Dynamic Mode button that allows the electronic driving nannies to kick in slightly later than normal.
Compared to a 2011 135i coupe, the 1M is 0.2 inches longer, 2.1 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller. Both the front and rear tracks have been increased by 2.8 and 1.8 inches, respectively. Weighing in at 3,296 pounds, the 1 Series M Coupe is 77 pounds lighter than your off-the-shelf 135i. The 1M rides on standard M-specific 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35 rubber up front and beefy 265/35 out back. BMW hasn't made great strides to rework the 1 Series' interior for the M, but things like sport seats and a fat sport steering wheel are standard fare.
Don't get us wrong, we're drooling over the 1 Series M Coupe, but we can't help but wish for a bit more power and perhaps a larger reduction in weight. After all, BMW is comparing this car to the E30 M3 coupe (see for yourself in our high-res image gallery), which is perhaps one of our all-time favorite Roundel sports cars. Still, BMW needs to position the 1 Series M Coupe in a way that it doesn't step on the toes of it's big brother, the M3, and we're sure that this M Coupe treatment will provide more than enough moxie for us enthusiasts to get our kicks.
We'll have plenty of live shots direct from the 1M's Detroit Auto Show debut, but see the unwrapped beauty for yourself in our image gallery, below. BMW's prolific press release is available after the jump, as well.
Let's start with power. The 1 Series M Coupe uses BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and while early estimates had the car pumping out as much as 350 horsepower, the final numbers are: 335 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque – exactly what you get out of this engine in the current Z4 sDrive35is. The car's ECU has an overboost function that provides an additional 37 lb-ft of twist at full tilt, and with your foot pressed hard into the right pedal, 0-60 will happen in just 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at – you guessed it – 155 miles per hour.
The only transmission available is a six-speed manual, though rumors have circulated about a possible twin-clutch DCT box making its way into the car down the road. Like all M cars, the 1M features an M Drive button on the steering wheel that improves throttle response. Additionally, the car is equipped with an M Dynamic Mode button that allows the electronic driving nannies to kick in slightly later than normal.
Compared to a 2011 135i coupe, the 1M is 0.2 inches longer, 2.1 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller. Both the front and rear tracks have been increased by 2.8 and 1.8 inches, respectively. Weighing in at 3,296 pounds, the 1 Series M Coupe is 77 pounds lighter than your off-the-shelf 135i. The 1M rides on standard M-specific 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35 rubber up front and beefy 265/35 out back. BMW hasn't made great strides to rework the 1 Series' interior for the M, but things like sport seats and a fat sport steering wheel are standard fare.
Don't get us wrong, we're drooling over the 1 Series M Coupe, but we can't help but wish for a bit more power and perhaps a larger reduction in weight. After all, BMW is comparing this car to the E30 M3 coupe (see for yourself in our high-res image gallery), which is perhaps one of our all-time favorite Roundel sports cars. Still, BMW needs to position the 1 Series M Coupe in a way that it doesn't step on the toes of it's big brother, the M3, and we're sure that this M Coupe treatment will provide more than enough moxie for us enthusiasts to get our kicks.
We'll have plenty of live shots direct from the 1M's Detroit Auto Show debut, but see the unwrapped beauty for yourself in our image gallery, below. BMW's prolific press release is available after the jump, as well.
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