C&D: 2012 BMW 1M Coupe prototype drive

[Jason]

via http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...rototype_drive

(Please note, the writers didnt actually drive the car themselves but were rather taken for a ride as a passenger. As stated earlier, no specs for the car are yet known, what is written below is speculation by the people at car and driver magazine)

2012 BMW 1-series M Coupe - Prototype Drive
The new compact M: affordability without compromise.

BY JENS MEINERS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY TASSILO SPELER AND THE MANUFACTURER
July 2010

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.




















Rest of photos: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...rototype_drive

[felixcat]

Wait, no DCT? only 335hp? BMW are you kidding?

[Marioalex24]

This is totally my next car. I think the horse power there adding is just right. Why would you need more power if the car is light and a great handling car, as they say. But i do agree 335hp sounds pretty low to me. I was expecting somewhere the 350hp at least. But as i see this car more and more i fall in love with it. Its the almost the same size as my current e46 m3, which i love very much.

[Alext]

They are putting an 'is' tune in there? They can't be serious to call this an 'M' and charge the associated premium with that level of HP surely?

Sounds more like a 135is...

[red-sauerkraut]

Wow, no kidding!

I hope that gets cleared up in a big hurry.

Originally Posted by felixcat

Wait, no DCT? only 335hp? BMW are you kidding?

[Dabaitu]

I agree, no DCT would be a deal breaker for me too, and I'm starting to think the price differential between my current car and the 135M isn't going to translate in a linear fashion to more "joy".

Time will tell I guess...

[felixcat]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

Wow, no kidding!

I hope that gets cleared up in a big hurry.

Remember several weeks ago I posted a thread asking whether the 1M will has DCT or not?

I believe SCOTT has looked at that post, but he did not say anything. So when people asks whether a rumor (with bad news) is ture or not, insider does not answer, it means that rumor may be true...

So back to topic, if news says no DCT and only 335hp, but no insider clear up later, then probably and sadly it will be true.

[red-sauerkraut]

Yeah I do remember now that you remind me.

IF it is the case [no dct] I will most likely pass!

Originally Posted by felixcat

Remember several weeks ago I posted a thread asking whether the 1M will has DCT or not?

I believe SCOTT has looked at that post, but he did not say anything. So when people asks whether a rumor (with bad news) is ture or not, insider does not answer, it means that rumor may be true...

So back to topic, if news says no DCT and only 335hp, but no insider clear up later, then probably and sadly it will be true.

[BMW86]

Hang on... did I just read that it's "a more powerful version of the N54, upgraded to about 335 hp"????

If this has the DCT transmission this is basically the exact same engine as in the Z4sdrive35is? I'm not saying that's a bad thing but I expected a few more ponies out of this bad boy.

If this is the case, for the N54 135i owners, this is basically just an N54 with a mild tune and possible a better transmission. The other differences lie in suspension, weight and cosmetic goodies.

[NL-J]

That's going to be a gorgeous car without a doubt Too bad that also without a doubt it will be very pricey in Holland

[moff]

I'm a little dissappointed too

I was expecting 350bhp+ and the M3's DCT transmission.

So, in the UK for our additional £8,500 all we get is:

- LSD (which is a great improvement)
- More aggressive suspension setup (which is a great improvement)
- Better exterior body kit (looks great)
- Slightly improved M interior
- A mild tune (I have that already)
- Improved brakes

mmmmm I'm not convinced, although there are a lot of great features it's the negatives:

- Weak sounding exhaust according to C&D (BMWP on my car which is amazing)
- M priced servicing and maintenance (which is always v.expensive)
- Power - 335bhp is lame
- No standard SSK?

This car should have M3 rivalling noise, still achievable from the N54, 360bhp, BMW P parts e.g. seats, SSK etc

[shawshank772]

Glad I got the M3. What a waste

[M3_WC]

And they got a ride in a Prototype.

BMW should have never given a ride in this car. The speculation on performance numbers and specs is just stupid.

The car isn't even finished.

[BMW86]

Guys I have a feeling this info is way off. We'll just have to wait and see...

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by BMW86

Guys I have a feeling this info is way off. We'll just have to wait and see...

I agree, it wouldn't be the first time C&D got info incorrect.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

I agree, it wouldn't be the first time C&D got info incorrect.

I think we can rely on C&D being incorrect once again

[Redline]

rims are wayyy too big.

Looks like 19in.
Should narrow down to 18in or better yet 17in.

[SCOTT26]

Congratulations.
Many of you have fallen in the trap I warned you about in the "official Teaser thread".

1. NOBODY has driven the 1M, Journalists get a drive around the Ascari Track with an M engineer. I dont know about you but I cannot decide how a car drives and responses without getting behind the wheel myself.

2. NO OFFICIAL figures have been released , The Journalist is speculating.

3. The Car is not complete , as there will be testing ongoing prior to the launch in December. The finished car we have is not completely finished , however because we have to shoot about six months before a launch , this is normal to use a pre-production prototype.

4. The Teaser and the Pre-exclusive journalist "passenger" drives are what is available now, further down the line we will see more official information regarding figures etc...

5. The car is not cosmetically finished , so there are still some additional elements to be added.

6. Remember this quote "There will be no M car a 135iS"...

[Zuzu]

SCOTT...What about the DCT option on the 1M??..Is this available??

[sparoz]

Everyone is so uptight about an article full of erroneous information... it's C&D...

[aus135i]

Please SCOTT PLEASE ... i need DCT! or my wife won't let me buy it >_<

[Irishace]

Major disappointment.