Autoblog's First Drive of 1M Coupe

[Jason]

Some excerpts from http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/2...view-road-test

Quick Spin: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW's Version Of A Blue Light Special For Speed

There's a well-worn automotive axiom that plays out many different ways: The amount of money you spend is proportional to how fast you go. You want more speed? You spend more money.

If you've priced a BMW M3 these days, you see the principle at work. Back in the old days (1987), a U.S.-spec M3 boasted a 195-horsepower four-cylinder engine and did 0-60 miles per hour in about 6.7 seconds on its leisurely way to a 143-mph top speed – all for just over $30,000. Today, the least expensive 414-horsepower V8 M3 will set you back $58,400... as it should. In every conceivable performance metric, the new M3 trounces the old, with its 4.6-second 0-60 mph run, supercar mid-range and electronically-limited 155-mph top end.

This reality left enthusiasts wishing BMW would offer something a little less speedy for a commensurate drop in MSRP. Seeing the opportunity with its 2012 1 Series Coupe, BMW will soon show us how much speed around $45,000 will buy at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. But to tide you over until then, come with us for a ride in a BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype.

BMW shied away from giving track measurements, but they did divulge that the body is a full 80 millimeters (3.14-inches) wider than a standard 1 Series Coupe. The bulging fenders, especially at the rear, look like rippled muscles under a tight t-shirt. The body, including the flares, is all steel. When asked why no carbon fiber, an engineer explained that the cost/benefit ratio didn't favor the choice.

The motor spooled up quickly, smoothly and quietly. The short shifter moved easily into gear. Unlike some modern performance vehicles, there are no adjustments for the suspension, the steering or engine management. It is what it is. And it's very good.

The BMW Servotronic steering is a pure hydraulic setup that operates without any electronic intervention. The response is linear, direct and builds predictably through corners.

Likewise, the suspension takes a set in corners and plants itself. Unlike other 1 Series, there is no understeer, the model's Achilles' Heal. Thank the wider stance and big Michelins.

While it felt good to not have a computer intervene and give it what you think you want or need, on the damp German roads, we were glad to have BMW's Dynamic Stability Control on in the background. During our exuberant drive, DSC waited for us to screw up or be surprised. It never saw action. To burn off the mph, the brakes proved strong and balanced with good bite and better progression.

The country roads around Scheyern were full of tight to medium curves. Regardless of the corner's radius or gearbox cog, the hottest 1 carved through each one and then roared onto the straights. The torque came on like a freight train's diesel-electric motor, never flagging. Above 1,400 rpm, the entire rev range is rich with power. Turbo lag? Yes, there's some, but truly just a moment's. In most situations, you'll never notice.

Engine control was exceptionally precise. On throttle, moving from 60-percent pedal to 80-percent, the coupe surged. Going from 80-percent to wide-open-throttle (WOT), the 1-Series jumped again.

The only thing the engine lacked was an exhaust note that matched the engine's performance. Our thinking is that the turbos remove so much energy from the pipes that the sounds we were looking for are used to create boost.

[BrokenVert]

Way to go autoblog. Offering up yet another subpar attempt at journalism.

Although it is a positive review...something that autoblog hasnt really done with the 1 series. guess its that good?

[oztiks]

"This reality left enthusiasts wishing BMW would offer something a little less speedy for a commensurate drop in MSRP"


Not certain who they are talking about... Last I heard everyone was for a lesser MSRP without sacrificing performance..."JOY" can be in our pockets...but we still want the "ULTIMATE" driving machine.

[Doctor J]

Turbo cars never sound great -- what's wrong with the review?

[Mprofiler]

Interesting how they mention DCT coming might be true... They even have a dct picture?

[Raine]

Autoblog commenters = "I'd rather spend the money on a Mustang GT, Boss, etc."

But they never do it.

[Evice]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Way to go autoblog. Offering up yet another subpar attempt at journalism.

Although it is a positive review...something that autoblog hasnt really done with the 1 series. guess its that good?

I agree. The recent 1addicts fans had better reviews.

[330CIZHP]

Originally Posted by Doctor J

Turbo cars never sound great -- what's wrong with the review?

x 2

Throttle lag and hissing sound are part and parcel of turbo cars. Gotta live with it.

Only turbocharged car that sounds great and extremely high strung is the Toyota Supra Turbo especially single turbo one's and also the old R34 Skyline GTR (best GTR ever).

Others all sound like vaccum cleaners in real life including Porsche 911 Turbo.

[SlicktopTTZ]

Originally Posted by 330CIZHP

x 2

Only one turbocharged car that sounds great and extremely high strung is the Toyota Supra Turbo especially single turbo one's.

Others all sound like vaccum cleaners in real life including Porsche 911 Turbo.

False.



Almost any opened up turbo car sounds nice. (exhaust side)

STIs, EVOs, 240SXs, 300zxs, Supras, GTRs, Porsches, Audis, I've heard them all modified and every one has it's distinct, raw sound.

The only cars that usually sound bad are bottled up and weak.

[330CIZHP]

Although, I agree the 300 ZX sounds great alongside Supra, R34 Skyline GTR. I heard all of them in real life and most other have loud whopping and hissing sound. Exactly like a vaccum cleaner.

Most recently, saw a street race between a Porsche 911 Turbo 997 and a E60 M5 off the traffic light. Although, obviously M5 got owned by the turbo, the M5's V10 ruled the sound department.

Originally Posted by SlicktopTTZ

False.



Almost any opened up turbo car sounds nice. (exhaust side)

STIs, EVOs, 240SXs, 300zxs, Supras, GTRs, Porsches, Audis, I've heard them all modified and every one has it's distinct, raw sound.

The only cars that usually sound bad are bottled up and weak.

[Doctor J]

Originally Posted by SlicktopTTZ

False.



Almost any opened up turbo car sounds nice. (exhaust side)

STIs, EVOs, 240SXs, 300zxs, Supras, GTRs, Porsches, Audis, I've heard them all modified and every one has it's distinct, raw sound.

The only cars that usually sound bad are bottled up and weak.

"Opened" up turbo cars are just loud and obnoxious. That sounds good to you?

Esp the ones with aftermarket "look at me" BOVs

Gimme a Maserati GranTurismo exhaust note --- no turbo car can touch it

[SlicktopTTZ]

Originally Posted by 330CIZHP

I heard all of them in real life and most sound garbage with a loud whopping and hissing sound. Exactly like my vaccum cleaner.

Most recently, a street race between a Porsche 911 Turbo 997 and a E60 M5. Although, understandibly M5 got owned by the turbo, the M5's V10 ruled the sound department.

V10s do sound nice, and I'm guessing the Turbo was stock exhaust?

Hissing I usually only notice with an after market intake, and I certainly wouldn't describe it as unpleasant.

You must have a pretty crazy vacuum cleaner........

[SlicktopTTZ]

Originally Posted by Doctor J

"Opened" up turbo cars are just loud and obnoxious.

Esp the ones with aftermarket "look at me" BOVs

You are loud and obnoxious. =P

An opened up turbo car doesn't not have to be loud.

BOVs have nothing to do with what we are talking about.

Did you ever consider that fact that some people run BOVs because their factory valve failed or leaked boost?

Originally Posted by Doctor J

Gimme a Maserati GranTurismo exhaust note --- no turbo car can touch it

In your opinion, obviously. I have not heard in person, but I have heard a few sounds that I think would top it. I prefer explosive, high-strung sounds, like a built Supra spooling up at launch with a 2-step.

[Smokey]

As anybody else seen Scott's new avatar which shows the 1M unveiled?

Check it out :

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Smokey

As anybody else seen Scott's new avatar which shows the 1M unveiled?

Check it out :

Good catch.

[MDORPHN]

Odd that one of Autoblog's photos shows DCT since it won't be available.

Neil

[oldschool]

Boy 'o boy, I sure hope there is a "stripes delete" option...

[GewoW]

Originally Posted by SlicktopTTZ

False.



Almost any opened up turbo car sounds nice. (exhaust side)

STIs, EVOs, 240SXs, 300zxs, Supras, GTRs, Porsches, Audis, I've heard them all modified and every one has it's distinct, raw sound.

The only cars that usually sound bad are bottled up and weak.

sorry a 997 turbo WITH or without straightpipes sounds like garbage

[SlicktopTTZ]

Originally Posted by GewoW

sorry a 997 turbo WITH or without straightpipes sounds like garbage

Okay, to be fair the last Turbo Porsche I heard was air-cooled and it sounded very unique. (type 930?)

[GewoW]

Originally Posted by SlicktopTTZ

Okay, to be fair the last Turbo Porsche I heard was air-cooled and it sounded very unique. (type 930?)

excused!

[CrazyIvan]

Still hoping for a DCT version...

[Evan135]

Originally Posted by Smokey

As anybody else seen Scott's new avatar which shows the 1M unveiled?

Check it out :

I like the M 3 color stripes. If they do not give us a blue color I was thinking of doing this. So many BMW race cars all the way back to the original CSL's have used white with the 3 M colors. I have even been doing some research to see how different cars were painted to find one I like.