BMW 1 SERIES M COUPE

A glut of photos (both official and of the spy variety) over the past few months have given us hints of what to expect from the 2011 BMW 1 Series M on the styling front, along with a number of technical details released in October.

Now, as the smallest M car draws closer to its unveiling, BMW has revealed a third teaser video that follows hopeful future customers as they experience the new 1 Series M on a special preview drive.

Last month, BMW revealed that the 'Mgineered' 1 Series will draw power from BMW's twin-turbo 3.0 litre N54 six-cylinder engine, producing 'around' 253kW (340hp).

By comparison, the 'regular' version of the same engine produces 225kW in the previously range-topping 135i.

• Click to read TMR's review of the BMW 135i
  

Thankfully, the 1 Series M will also feature a rear differential and braking package "similar" to the M3, and the only transmission on offer will be a six-speed manual setup.

BMW also confirmed a kerb weight of "about" 1500kg, and its flared guards make it some 80mm wider than the 135i.

No further details have been offered, but for many, confirmation of the long-hoped-for 1 Series M Coupe will be enough for now. With the next-generation 1 Series already in development, it is likely that the 1 Series M will arrive sometime after the debut of the new bodystyle.

• Click here to read TMR's review of the 2010 BMW 135i Coupe.

BMW has confirmed it will reveal the full skinny on the 1 Series M in December, before giving the new M car its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Earlier Videos

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• reply ” like !

  

  Godspeed says,
  2 years ago

  M135CSi?
• reply ” like !

  

  PeterG says,
  2 years ago

  With the 135i performance already not far off the M3 it will be interesting to see where this M1 will sit.I am betting lots more dollars for the M1 for little more performance than 135i.
  • reply ” like !

    

    DM says,
    2 years ago

    The fact it will have the M-Diff, better brakes and a wider track will ensure it will jsutify the extra over the 135i. Sure the power may only be 12% more but its the whole package that makes an M car.... especailly that active diff.
• reply ” like !

  Lisa Preston says,
  2 years ago

  ARGHHHHHHHHH!, I'll be wanting to drive one.................
  
  Im betting this will be a true M car and will be epically popular............. cant wait .
  
  
• reply ” like !

  

  Godspeed says,
  2 years ago

  Expectations are high!
• reply ” like !

  

  Wheelnut says,
  2 years ago

  Yu wil arv guse-pimpuls.... aye karnt weit !
• reply ” like !

  Steve Thompson says,
  2 years ago

  I looked seriously at 135i last car but even the best drive around couldn't get me past that face.
  
  Fingers crossed on the styling.....
• reply ” like !

  Nelson Nascimento says,
  2 years ago

  The in car video, that guy driving does not know how to shift if his life depended on it!
  
  I know this car will be quicker than my actual car, but my Focus XR5 engine sounds way better than this engine, it just sounds like it's struggling, I know it's not but it's not a nice sound compared to the XR5 or RS.
• reply ” like !

  

  Godspeed says,
  2 years ago

  I want the E30 M3 on the left in the top pic.
• reply ” like !

  Steven Hambleton says,
  2 years ago

  I wish BMW would go back to their shark nose design.
• reply ” like !

  

  poopoo says,
  2 years ago

  I am guessing that it will be about $30 to $40k more than 135I.
  That's a lot for a bit extra kW ,bigger brakes (the current ones are big enough-huge!) and a true LSD which will be only marginally better(for what track work?) than 135i.
  Not likely to be the value proposition that the 135i is because of the M label .