2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe class models ~ CARS NEW TRENDS CLASS MODES

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe class models

Exterior and Interior

Taking inspiration from the 1988 BMW M3 Sport Evolution, the 1-Series M Coupe is 1.3 inches (33mm) longer than the M3. Also, compared to the 2011 BMW 135i Coupe, the new model is 0.2 inches longer, 2.1 inches wider, 0.5 inches taller, and rides on the same 104.7 inch wheelbase.

Like any other M model, the new 1-Series M Coupe is dominated by a muscular look. It features three large air intakes, with the central one being covered by a honeycomb-structured grille, large wheel arches, with the front one featuring chrome gill element with the M logo and exterior mirrors similar to the ones from the M3. The car’s rear features a discreet spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid and of course two sets of apphire Metallic, and Valencia Orange Metallic.

For the interior BMW is offering high-quality, dark Alcantara with orange contrast stitching covering the door panels, door pulls, instrument cluster binnacle, dash panel, and gearshift and handbrake lever boots. The sports seats are covered in Boston leather with orange contrasting stitching and an M logo embossed in the front of each headrest, while the leather M multifunction steering wheel features the now-ubiquitous M Button for spontaneous activation of the sharpest throttle response and M Dynamic Mode of DSC.

Package and Options

chrome twin tailpipes, each positioned towards the outer edges. It comes standard with 19-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke design. The new 1-Series M Coupe will be offered in three exterior colors: Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, and Valencia Orange Metallic.

Package and Options

The US spec version of the 1-Series M Coupe will bring with it two different packages to add luxury and technology to the already stunning BMW. The Premium package includes autodimming for the exterior and interior mirrors, as well as the rearview mirror. Other features include power front seats with driver seat memory, lumbar support, ambiance lighting, BMW Assist with bluetooth, and an iPod and USB adapter. Purchase the Premium package and the customer can also opt for the Convenience package. This package adds a navigation system, anti-theft alarm system, keyless entry, and park distance control for the rear.

Other options for the US spec version of the 1-Series M Coupe are heated front seats, smartphone Integration, satellite radio w/1 year subscription, and Harman Kardon surround sound.

The Engine

Under the hood BMW has placed a new twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers an impressive 335 HP at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

BMW announced a sprint time from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and yes, top speed is still electronically limited to 155 mph. The standing quarter-mile mark comes up in 13.2 seconds.

A few days after it’s long-awaited unveiling, the 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe was already seen at the Nurburgring performing its cursory test laps to determine its official ’Ring lap time. The 2011 1-Series Coupe just finished its date around the ’Ring, clocking in a time of 8:12, which is about 10 seconds faster than the E46 M3. More importantly than that, BMW’s latest addition to the M family posted faster times than its other competitors, including the E60 M5, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and the Porsche Cayman S.

When BMW unveiled the 1-Series M Coupe, there were some people that suggested a small car like this could never deliver the same performance numbers as the BMW M3. German sports car magazine, Sport Auto, took that as a challenge and took the coupe to Hockenheim where it clocked a lap time of 1:14.1. This final number is slightly better than the 1:14.2 time obtained by the BMW M3, but not as good as Porsche Cayman R’s PDK time of 1:12.4 or the BMW E46 M3 CSL’s 1:13.5.

Prices

Sales for the new BMW 1-Series M Coupe will begin later in the spring of 2011. Pricing for the coupe will start at $47,010. As a reminder, the new model will be limited to only 2,700 units.