Category: BMW

Planning for the second-generation of BMW 1 Series is well underway and part of those plans, as previously reported, include a front-wheel drive platform. Fans of the current rear-wheel drive 1 Series need not panic, though, as Autocar brings word that the next 1er will include a sextet of models; two front drivers and four tail sliders.

One of the FWD 1ers will be a trad five-door hatch, aimed squarely at the Audi A3 (see rendering above). The other will be a wagon with quasi sporting intentions. These models go under the internal acronym of UKL (Unter Klasse or sub-class).

The UKL models will be repackaged following the usual method of transversely mounting engines. This will allow BMW to free up cabin space and match class leaders like the Volkswagen Golf. It’s expected we’ll be able to buy a front-wheel drive BMW sometime in 2013.

[Source: Autocar]

According to a leaked BMW internal document these four cars are the models the 1 Series M Coupé has in its sights. A duo from Ingolstadt, Audi TT RS and RS3, a fighter from the land of the rising sun in the Nissan 370Z and, perhaps the toughest nut to crack, the Porsche Cayman S. What do you reckon, would you pick the 1M ahead of these?

The five page document, created for BMW’s Australian dealer network, reads much like a regular sales brochure at first, listing the details and specs of the 1M. A few pages in BMW provides brief comments about the three German rivals. On the last page a table of specs compares all five cars together.

One of the things left wanting after official info on the BMW 1M Coupé was released was seeing the full suite of available colours. It’s not too much to ask, there’s only three options after all. Well, thanks to the visualiser on the BMW International website (above) and 1addicts user “philip” (below) we can see just what the 1M looks like in Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic and, of course, Valencia Orange metallic.

If you’re still chasing info on the new BMW 1M Coupé then why not download the official brochure direct from BMW. Just use the link below and the 3.3mb PDF will be all yours.

[Source: BMW via BimmerFile]

Well the moment has finally arrived and BMW has released full details on its 1 Series M Coupé. As expected this morning’s performance data is bang on the money. So, we now have a new M car on the block. How does it stack up?

Well the flared guards and model specific cosmetic tweaks help set this car apart from other 1er coupés. It must be said the lower rear valance is a bit too fussy. And that side vent that’s not actually a vent is also a bit of a disappointment. Small faults, though, on what is otherwise a purposeful looking machine. AUSmotive has always rated the 1 Series Coupé highly, and despite a few flaws, we think the 1M looks pretty damn good.

Inside things look impressive, as well. Again it’s pretty standard 1 Series fare, but there’s just enough tweaking from the M brigade to let you know you’re in something special. Well, special in a typically teutonic way, of course.

It would be remiss to leave the heart of the 1M without mention. If the M enthusiasts had their way, this car would have its own unique engine, rather than a spooled up 135i donk. But, the turbocharged 3.0 six from the 135i is one of the world’s great engines (fuel pump issues aside). Now with twin turbos, the peak numbers of 250kW and 450Nm of torque mean this M car won’t exactly hang about. It will be quick. Be that as it may, it would be nice if BMW’s finest found the time to free up a few more ponies than can be had in a Z4 sDrive35is.

Like us, you’re probably a bit tired of seeing the Valencia Orange paint colour promo shots. But don’t go expecting a kaleidoscope of alternate options; Alpine White and Sapphire Black complete the range. Similarly, BMW has restricted the transmission to a 6-speed manual only. We like that. Will BMW resist the urge to fit the 1M with a DCT in future, though?

The 1M is a car that promises so much, right from Dr Segler’s first promise of goose pimples. Without driving the car and basing our initial opinion on the glimpses granted by others, we’re pretty sure the 1 Series M Coupé will be a special car. Will it warm the hearts and minds of M enthusiasts as strongly as the original E30 M3 did a quarter of a century ago? Judging by the last set of pics below BMW thinks it will. We’re not so sure and will reserve our judgement for the time being.

Earlier readers will notice we’ve tidied up our intro piece above and that also means, in addition to BMW’s press release, the full gallery of 79 images can now be seen after the break. If you still want more check out the info available in the Closed Room section over at M-Power.com.

Downloads

• BMW 1 Series M Coupé detailed press kit (475kb PDF)
• BMW 1 Series M Coupé tech data (350kb PDF)

The resident BMW insider on 1addicts has dropped a nice little Easter Egg for its readers a few hours ahead of the official release for the 1 Series M Coupé, which is scheduled for around 10am Australian time (eastern seaboard). So here we go.

BMW 1 Series M Coupé basic performance specs

• Power: 340ps/335hp/250kW
• Top speed: 250km/h
• 0-100km/h: 4.9s
• Torque: 450Nm +50Nm overboost
• Weight: 1570kg (EU)(w/ gas, luggage, driver)
• Price: approx. €50,500

Apparently the 1M “leaves the TT RS for dead in driving dynamics” and gives the Porsche Cayman S a run for its money too.

Oh, Gran Turismo 5 fans will be pleased to know they will also be able to download a special 1M package so they can add this car to their game.

[Source: 1addicts]

The epic BMW tease of its 1 Series M Coupé has continued with the release of a new video to YouTube. For the first time, it shows images of the 1M without any covering or camouflage. We’ve captured a few still images from the clip and you can watch the 1 minute video for yourself after the break.

As you can see BMW has adorned this promo 1M with “Pirat” number plates, which was also referred to in the engine codes screen grab. We’re also given brief glimpses of M-specific detailing, such as the gills on the front guards and the rev counter on the dash. In broader 1 Series news, we’ve been given a preview of the new headlight design from the upcoming mid-cycle refresh, too.

And, in something of a surprise, it has also been revealed that Dr Kay Segler is The Stig! I bet nobody saw that coming.

We’ve been led down this merry 1 Series M Coupé road since 9 July, a full five months, and the end is almost nigh. The M-Power website promises more to come on Friday. So, what do we think so far?

[Thanks to Richard for the tip]

Hold on to your hats everyone the BMW 1M Coupé is coming soon. No, really! Word has come through from a BMW insider, via the 1addicts forum,  that a full reveal of the 1M Coupé will take place on late Friday morning Australian time. Don’t get too excited, though, it could simply be an image only reveal, with more news kept in store for 12 December when further 1 Series news is still anticipated. We’ll know soon anyway.

This is complemented by news finding its way to AUSmotive that BMW Australia has all but confirmed the 1M Coupé will be coming down under. Final details have been kept deliberately sketchy, but it is expected the baby M car will be in Australia by mid-2011.

We understand a limited number of 1M Coupés have been assigned to our market, around 100, and naturally BMW are urging all interested parties to get in contact with their preferred dealers to put in expressions of interest. There’s been no hint at all on pricing at this stage.

More news as it comes to hand.