07-14-2010, 01:50 PM | #1 |
Colonel
602
Rep 2,381
Posts |
AUTOCAR UK BMW 1-series M: first ride
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/251375/
Meet the car that M division said it would never build: the 1-series M Coupé. Set to join BMW’s line-up early next year, following a world premiere at the Detroit motor show next January, the hard-hitting two-door has been conceived as a spiritual successor to the much-loved E30 M3. BMW gave us a chance to sample the 1-series M Coupé last week at Ascari — albeit from the passenger seat. See the official pic of the BMW 1-series M coupe in action, plus spy pics First impressions? It’s too quiet. Running a lightly modified version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six from the Z4 sDrive35iS, it needs some detailed inlet and exhaust tuning before it can be considered fit for the showroom. There’s a slight, distant burble of exhaust at idle, but under load the engine lacks the typical BMW M sound that buyers will be seeking. That aside, this is a truly exciting car — one, I’m willing to bet, that will prove to be M division’s best-selling model within the next couple of years. Albert Biermann, the man behind its development and my chauffeur, isn’t giving too much away. About all he’s prepared to say right now is that the M Coupé will boast somewhere in the region of 350bhp in production guise — around 50bhp more than the 135i upon which it is based. The prototype we rode in had a standard six-speed manual gearbox, although a seven-speed dual-clutch ’box will also be offered. Transferring drive to the road is a lightly tweaked version of the M3’s M differential. With a kerb weight that, Biermann says, undercuts the 135i’s 1455kg and closely stacked ratios, acceleration is not too far from the supercar league. Through the gears, and especially in the mid-range, it feels particularly strong. A torque figure beyond the existing M3’s helps it to romp out of corners with great enthusiasm. From what I could ascertain, the target 0-62mph time of 5.0sec is well within reach, placing it 0.3sec inside that quoted for the 135i. M division has focused much of its attention on the chassis, as evidenced by its wider tracks and lower ride height. Around Ascari, the 1-series M Coupé feels every bit as agile as the standard M3. In fact, its compactness and lower weight even give it the edge in certain sections of the 3.4-mile circuit. Its comparative lack of weight means roll angles are kept to a minimum, although the damping on the prototype was clearly quite stiff. So the wait for the 1-series M Coupé has started. Let’s just hope Biermann can give it a traditional M sound. Greg Kable |
07-14-2010, 02:11 PM | #3 | |
Colonel
602
Rep 2,381
Posts |
Quote:
Just have to remember that it is still early days and a work in progress but I might just put that deposit down now! Mark. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-14-2010, 02:23 PM | #4 |
Moderator
567
Rep 4,240
Posts |
Nobody clearly states that BMW said its a modified N54. They automatically assume since its in the stage of "too quiet" and obviously a turbo car. I would be calling it a slightly modified N54 too. I'm not though.
I enjoyed the read for the most part. BMW clearly knows that everyone is focusing on the sound. I can't wait for them to step up!
__________________
- 04 Honda S2000(gone)
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-14-2010, 03:14 PM | #5 |
Lucky Lefty
45
Rep 746
Posts
Drives: on twisty roads
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: *
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2019 BMW M2 Comp [0.00]
2017 Porsche Macan GTS [8.00] 2011 M3 [10.00] 2013 bmw F25 msport [10.00] 2011 335iS [9.60] |
Thanks for posting. Very insightful assessments by the author. Love the reference to how the car "romps out of corners with great enthusiasm." But the 0-62 mph time of 5 seconds seems quite modest. Overall, a good review.
__________________
The Power of M |
Appreciate
0
|
07-14-2010, 03:32 PM | #6 |
Private First Class
1
Rep 188
Posts
Drives: 1M / M3 E36 3.2 6MT
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: In the twisty roads of the Alps
|
Assuming 350hp this will more realistically give a 0-62mph time of 4.8 (not even considering the better traction with the M-LSD nor a possible DCT option)
This assumption bases on acceleration/motor performance/weight comparison with similar cars |
Appreciate
0
|
07-14-2010, 03:49 PM | #7 |
Lieutenant
21
Rep 436
Posts |
I was interested in the "undercuts the 135i’s 1455kg"
hasnt someone here in this forum said before that no M variant weighs less than their counterpart? lower weight + more torque/hp = sounds good to me |
Appreciate
0
|
07-14-2010, 03:52 PM | #8 |
Brigadier General
435
Rep 3,888
Posts |
I bet 0-100 km/h in 4.6 sec for M1 with 6MT. I think BMW M is fooling everybody. I think the driver knows how to drive so that not everybody should really know what it is.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-14-2010, 04:12 PM | #9 |
Major General
417
Rep 6,968
Posts |
Official 0-60 figure is usually conservative so I say 4.5-4.6 0-60 is realistic with DCT. I want to know how much M1 undercuts 135i in curb weight.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-14-2010, 05:53 PM | #11 | |
Colonel
104
Rep 2,626
Posts |
Quote:
I believe Scott has said in his posts since the 1er's release, the goal would be to drop weight in the high performance M model. The first complete "Efficient Dynamics" M car.
__________________
'08 Black Saphire/Black Z4 M Coupe
RIP Gretta: Blue Water/Lemon 135i. Died to save me. -ChuckV |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-14-2010, 05:53 PM | #12 |
Lieutenant
18
Rep 524
Posts |
Exactly, along with more helmet room. Sure hope the CF Roof is not cut out by the accountants...
__________________
1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 Carbon Fiber (240hp & 1,890 lbs)
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-15-2010, 10:02 AM | #14 | |
Brigadier General
192
Rep 4,848
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Macan S Diesel - Carrera White
Macan Turbo - White 1///M - Valencia Orange |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-15-2010, 10:06 AM | #15 | |
Brigadier General
192
Rep 4,848
Posts |
Quote:
However, this is not to say the 1M will not be lighter than the 135i. If it is, and with 350ps. It would be seriously fun.
__________________
Macan S Diesel - Carrera White
Macan Turbo - White 1///M - Valencia Orange |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-15-2010, 11:06 AM | #16 | |
Private First Class
1
Rep 126
Posts |
Quote:
I suspect that a 360HP M-tuned N54 or N55 will weigh much the same as the regular version. The CF roof, if offered, should hopefully negate some suspension/brake/stiffening/flared bodywork components which are (only slighty) heavier. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-15-2010, 01:43 PM | #17 | |
Colonel
104
Rep 2,626
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
'08 Black Saphire/Black Z4 M Coupe
RIP Gretta: Blue Water/Lemon 135i. Died to save me. -ChuckV |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-15-2010, 04:48 PM | #18 |
135i
2
Rep 17
Posts |
Many if's still. How about if it is a tuned N54, and if it has 350 hp. Wonder what they are doing about cooling? Hope it's something we can bolt on our 135i's
Although already the Performance Kit for the 135i was realized with better cooling, but what I've read they still run hot even with an added water cooler and stronger fan? |
Appreciate
0
|
07-15-2010, 08:16 PM | #19 |
Lieutenant
27
Rep 488
Posts |
im going to say N54 with 360hp...and IF it is lighter than its counter part im going to have to start collecting money for speeding tickets
__________________
SOLD: 2013 328i Mineral Gray ZMM/ZLP/Heated Seats
SOLD: 2002 325i Jet Black ZPP |
Appreciate
0
|
07-15-2010, 08:27 PM | #20 |
New Member
0
Rep 15
Posts
Drives: Toyota Landcruiser
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Old times there are not forgotten
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-15-2010, 10:17 PM | #22 |
Captain
275
Rep 612
Posts |
The 135i already does 0-60 in 4.7/4.8 secs. Just Google "135i 0-60". I think the 1M will do 0-60 in under 4.5 secs.
__________________
2018 F80 M3 Comp, Silverstone Metallic II, w/ black 666M (Ordered: 7/9/2017 | Pickup 9/9/2017)
1998 E36 M3, Cosmos Schwarz Metallic 2009 E82 135i, Montego Blue |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|