BMW M1 Coupe: it's here
13.12.2010 - Andy Goodwin
(25)
The BMW M1 Coupe has arrived, much to the delight of BMW fans after hype surrounding the entry-level M performance car went into overdrive.
Changes to the M1 are extensive over the standard BMW 1 Series Coupe, a fact made most obvious by its jutting wheel arches, widened axles and huge 19-inch alloy wheels.
There are also quad exhaust tailpipes, aggressive front and rear bumpers with scooped air intakes, racing-style door mirrors and just three paint colours: Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Valencia Orange.
At its heart is a six-cylinder 3-litre engine with twin turbochargers, tuned to produce 340bhp - 30bhp more than the Porsche Boxster S.
Acceleration to 62mph is brutal, taking just 4.9 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
Braking performance should be phenomenal too, thanks to its stoppers being taken from the larger and heavier BMW M3, and BMW is confident the M1 should lap the Nurburgring much quicker than the E46 BMW M3.
The interior features black leather sports seats with orange stitching, while there's an M steering wheel and short-shift gear lever. Two-zone air-con, an MP3-compatible stereo with six-speakers and cruise control are standard.
The BMW M1 Coupe will be on sale in May, with prices starting from £39,990 - £13,285 less than the V8-engined BMW M3.
