Best Car Models & All About Cars: 2012 1 Series M Coupe

2012 1 Series M Coupe Interior

Designed to evoke reminiscences of the first E30-platform BMW M3, the BMW one-Series M Coupe is meant to supply racing automotive-style agility and day-to-day usability. Potential buyers take note: BMW has already sold all the samples of the one-Series M Coupe it plans to make.

Though the 1-Series M Coupe is priced considerably above the standard 135i, BMW says that the added power and suspension tuning makes the automobile a worthwhile upgrade.

Beneath its hood is a 335-horsepower version of the automaker's twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, whereas in depth suspension and wheel upgrades spherical out the performance side of the M package. Of course, there are a slew of cosmetic changes in addition to form the 1-Series M Coupe stand out from the lesser 1-Series models.

Inline 6

Like the second and third generation M3s, the one-Series M Coupe's heart may be a high-revving inline six-cylinder engine. It delivers 335 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque from one,five hundred to 4,five hundred rpm before topping out at a 7,0zerozero rpm redline. An electronically controlled overboost perform that momentarily will increase torque under full load by a further thirty seven lb-ft.

BMW says that the overboost operate helps the 1-Series M Coupe hit sixty miles per hour from a standstill in four.7 seconds before topping out an electronically limited fifteenfive mph. This sporty two-door can conjointly hit the quarter mile in thirteen.a pair of seconds.

A six-speed manual with a 3.15:1 final drive ratio is the only offered transmission - a move certain to please the purists, and enrage most Americans. Fitted with a dry sump cooling system, the stick conjointly features an upgraded flywheel for the higher torque and a short-shift M-designed lever.

A special M-tuned exhaust system comes with the Coupe so as to offer it a sportier growl, that is additionally aided by at least four exhaust pipes poking out of the tail.

Inside, a faucet of the steering wheel-mounted M button from the currently-departed M5 activates M Drive, which increases throttle response for sportier driving.

Handling

Designed with corner carving in mind, the one-Series M Coupe options a chassis "faster than its engine," a reprise of a ancient BMW theme seen since the first 1600-a pair of two-doors. Extensively tuned on Germany's Nurburgring track, the all-aluminum suspension begins with near-excellent fifty one.7/48.three weight balance.

Up front, the strut-kind suspension is created with all aluminum components and also the five-arm rear axle has been totally reconfigured for increased grip.

Internally vented and cross-drilled giant compound disc brakes measuring 14.two inches up front and 13.8 inches out back are wrapped by M-specific light-weight alloy 19x9 (front) and 19x10 (rear) inch wheels cribbed from the M3 Competition Package.

A variable M differential lock generates lock up torque on demand and variably for increased rear wheel traction on a variety of pavement varieties, while the dynamic stability control options a more aggressive M Dynamic Mode accessible by pressing an MDM button between the front air vents on the dashboard. The DSC system can be absolutely disabled, although ABS will stay engaged.

Aerodynamics

In order to reinforce the 1-Series M Coupe's driving experience, BMW focused on innovative aerodynamics. Namely, air curtains - used for the first time in a BMW production vehicle - improve air flow around the rear arches to cut back turbulence.

Openings within the outer section of the front lower fascia route high pressure air through ducts located at each corner. Then, the air is discharged at the next pressure to create a curtain-like air stream over the rotating wheels.

The look

To spherical out the 1-Series M's package, BMW gave it revised front and rear fascias, chrome gills on the front wheel arches and an increased stance with aggressive wheel arches. 3 colours - Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic and an exclusive Valencia Orange Metallic - are out there on the one Series M Coupe.

Inside, dark Alcantara with orange distinction stitching covers door panels, door pulls, the dashboard and the gear lever boot. M-specific gauges and M-logoed items more complete the package.

2012 1 Series M Coupe Gauges