The new compact M: affordability without compromise

BMW's M GmbH is responsible for some of the most satisfying cars ever to roam the planet. For the past 25 years, its creations have become ever more powerful and faster—and, accordingly, more expensive. The entry-level M car, the 3700-pound M3 sedan, now comes in at $56,275 and is powered by a 4.0-liter V-8. That's a lot of money and engine, and while the current M3 is a supremely fast and rewarding steed, it does not feel as light and nimble as its E30 forebear.

New M GmbH chief Kay Segler has promised to address concerns about weight, price, and size of his division’s current lineup, and he is poised to deliver. On the occasion of the M3's 25th-anniversary celebration at Spain’s Ascari racetrack, Segler lifted the covers off of an upcoming M version of the 1-series coupe. Even in prototype form, it's almost everything we hoped for.

Despite its light camouflage, the 1-series M Coupe—intentionally named to recall past Z3- and Z4-based M cars—is easy to identify from the outside. The 1-series’ body and track have been widened significantly front and rear, there is a unique front bumper, the trunklid gets a spoiler lip, and the exhaust flows through quadruple tailpipes. The M-specific interior—which was not installed in this prototype—will feature sport seats, unique trim, and special instrumentation.

The N54’s Last Stand?

While the 300-hp 135i has switched from the twin-turbo N54 to the single-turbo N55 engine, the 1-series M Coupe—like other BMWs recently unveiled with high-powered inline-sixes—gets a more powerful version of the N54, upgraded to about 335 hp. It's mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox—no automatic or dual-clutch transmission will be offered.

Segler's troops still may shave a few pounds off the 135i's total of almost 3400, but there is no budget for expensive lightweight materials. Zero-to-60 times should be in the mid-four-second range, and top speed will be governed to 155 mph. As it does with other M cars, BMW might offer the option to raise the limit, but we doubt it would go much beyond 170.

We weren't allowed to slip behind the wheel ourselves, but were treated to a very fast lap in the passenger seat as M GmbH chief engineer Albert Biermann whipped the coupe through the corners and down the straights of the Ascari racetrack. Getting the small M into a slight drift seemed as effortless as recovery, and the kick provided by the uprated engine represents a major step above the 135i. Turbo lag is slight and doesn't significantly detract from the experience. Compared to the M3, you sit lower to the ground, the cabin is more compact, and thus you get a much better sense of speed than in the bigger car.

If we have one criticism, it would be the overly civilized conduct of this compact M. The silky straight-six is pleasing, but the turbos keep the volume down. There is none of the dramatic roar, bellow, and crackle of other M models. This exhaust system needs to be put on steroids—if M won’t do that before the car reaches production, the aftermarket will.

A Super Car, but Not a Supercar

The 1-series M Coupe began life code-named "Pyrat," and BMW thankfully refrained from calling it the M1. That nameplate, after all, is perpetually connected to the Giugiaro-styled and Lamborghini-developed supercar that BMW launched in the late 1970s. Perhaps one day the company will reenter that segment, and if only for that purpose, the nameplate must be left alone.

Meanwhile, look for the 1-series M Coupe at your BMW dealer in the second quarter of 2011. We anticipate a price around $45,000, which seems a bit steep for a suspension, some interior upgrades, and a chip-able 35 more horsepower, but for now, it is the closest we’ll come to the original M3. And it will still be loads of fun.

Source: 2012 BMW 1-series M Coupe - Prototype Drive - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver

YouTube - BMW 1 Series M Coupé. Step 1.

 

I wish they'd sell the 1-series hatchback instead... and make the M a hatchback. The coupe just looks funny - like a 3-series that got bookended.

 

I like the looks of the 1-series Coupe, but I agree that they should've brought the hatchback version here too. And all the cool diesels.

Oh, I also think it's rad that BMW brought all of its previous M cars to the track to compare the 1M to.

 

They should, and can, make it lighter. I think it would turn into a completely iconic car if they did.

lol at "goose pimples"

 

i hope they stick with those rims

 

Wish if it had the same cut as the Z3M hatch based on the 1-series might look cool with wide rear flares.

 

that would look sexy as funk for sure

 

the mods to the chassis and suspension look good,tires as well

but the engine assumed to put out around 335hp is by far less than I'd have expected

 

Excellent point. 3400 lbs is still a LOT of mass for a car of this size. If they're not going to lighten any, why would anyone take the M Coupe over the standard 135i and just chip it to get more power?

 

Remember that this car retains the n54 engine which is chippable to upwards of 420 horsepower with just a tune, so you will have the best of both worlds with the m suspension and the modable n54 platform