[Source:
auto-news.de]
I figured some might be interested in reviews from Germany as well, so here's a roundup of the preDrive stories.
I'll update this post once more first drive impressions have been published:
Welt.de (Newspaper):
Key points: - Bi-turbo inline 6 with 340 PS
- 450 NM or 330 lbf/ft
- 0-62 mph: a little over 5s
- top speed: limited to 155 mph (drivers package with increased top speed possible [Europe only I guess])
- "Wider track makes for better handling"
Focus.de (News magazine)
Interior of a prototype - basic 135i trim and holes in the dash to mount test equipment.
Key points: - Same engine as Z4 35iS
- World premiere: NAIAS, January 2011
- Market launch: May/June 2011 (Europe)
- Price: About EUR 50,000 (E90 M3 costs about EUR 65,000)
- "By the numbers it might lack power, but the first test drive in a disguised prototype showed its ability to make up for that at full tilt: Shift the short gearshift lever of the manual transmission through its gears and grab the thick steering wheel firmly and you won't find a corner too tight or a road between Munich and Ingolstadt too narrow for that car. The engine revs up loud and eager, and you feel like you're on the Nürburgring when accelerating. Many parts are a take-over from the M3, so it's no surprise that neither bad nor bumpy roads can unsettle the chassis."
Auto News (automotive website)
Key points:- 80 mm wider rear makes for a strong stance
- 19 inch wheels with 245/35 front and 265/35 rear tires (M3 ZCP wheels and tires)
- Power figures (340 PS, 450 NM) subject to (a small) change due to pending homologation
- "The car appears to drive as easy as every other 1 Series car. The direct and light steering as well as the crisp six-speed manual transmission are just like we'd expect from a BMW car. By the way, the manual transmission will be the only option for the 1 Series M. We 'ask for power' by stepping on the gas pedal and get rewarded with a virtually immediate and brute acceleration. Thanks to two sequential (*1) turbos the engine offers plenty of torque down the range -- said Z4 [35iS] offers maximum torque at 1,500 rpm. Definite figures for the 1 Series M Coupé aren't finalised yet.
This car appears to be exactly what BMW makes it out to be: A driving machine. When it comes to cornering, [the 1 Series M Coupé] weighing 1,500 kg turns out to be accordingly fast and incredibly agile. ... Despite the good handling the ride wasn't too firm during our first drive. Some minor setup changes are said to be made until the car will hit the show rooms. Unlike the M3, adaptive dampers won't be on offer.
To make a long story short, we had tons of fun driving this agile and strong car. The anticipation will grow further."
Best regards,
south