BMW 1 Series M Coupe goes on sale in spring 2011. it has he width of the track, which is a full 80mm wider than the 135i’s. This is determined by the rear axle, which is lifted wholesale from the BMW M3. Rims of 19-inch in diameter will be standard with quad exhausts and a tiny lip spoiler on the rear boot lid.
A six-speed manual gearbox will be the only transmission option and the only wheels offered will be 19-inch in diameter.
In essence, the 1 Series M Coupé takes the best bits from the Z4 sDrive35is, the M3 and the 1 Series Coupé. The straight-six, twin-turbocharged engine is based on that in the Z4, and though the final homologated figures have yet to be released, we believe peak power is 335bhp and torque is about 340lb.ft. That last figure is significantly more than the M3 has incidentally, and it’s what defines the power delivery. It’s creamy smooth and urgent from low revs, with a distinct rise in accelerative force as both turbos deliver their best in the mid-range.
The overriding impression of the car is one of unflappable stability. That’s particularly true under braking and over mid-corner bumps. It features standard fixed damping and steel springs by the way, and adaptive damping will not be offered. Two different throttle maps and various stages of traction control will be the extent of driver customisation available.
