2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

The M series of cars from BMW may very well be some of the most sought after performance coupes and sedans on the market. They range from vehicles with complicated on-board systems like the M6 to the very popular M3 and now the 1-series M coupe. The M coupe represents the fastest and most performance oriented 1-series and BMW fans around America can rejoice that this performance BMW will be coming to showrooms in May 2011 following a public debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

The M coupe will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder paired with a close ratio six-speed manual transmission. The 335-horsepower six-cylinder makes the M coupe easily capable of keeping up with its larger cousin—the M3. With a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, the 1-series M coupe won’t disappoint those looking for neck-snapping performance. Even the M coupe has some interesting computer-controlled performance aspects including an overboost function that give a boost in torque for short periods during the application of full-throttle. Another interesting fact is that the M coupe’s engine is the same as that introduced recently in the Z4 sDrive35is making this the first standard production powerplant to go into an M division car.

How does the M coupe differ from the standard 1-series? Besides the injection of more power, BMW has also widened the track and upgraded the wheel package—including fender flares. Other changes include more lightweight aluminum components to the front MacPherson-strut suspension, additional longitudinal struts in the rear, hollow stabilizer bars and new ball joints—all which give the car a lower ride height by about ¾ of an inch.

Bottom line—if you liked the 1-series before, but were yearning for more power then the M coupe is just what the doctor ordered. Expect it to go for a premium over the well-optioned 135i.

 

[Source: Automotive News]