New BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 9, 2010, 6pm EST... With anticipation of enthusiasts around the world at fever pitch, today BMW M GmbH unveiled the newest member of its intimate product family. For the first time, the coveted M badge has been granted to the popular BMW 1 Series in the form of the all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The M badge was imparted after a two-year development process through which BMW M engineers and test drivers achieved the exceptional power delivery and the signature, near-perfect driving behavior of a BMW M car. The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe will be available in limited quantities and with a limited range of options at Authorized BMW Centers in Spring, 2011. Final pricing, packages, and options will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

"Eigenwillig," a German word meaning "self-willed," "individual," and "determined to go its own way," has been the proper word to describe the most unique and memorable M cars of the past three decades. With the original 1988 BMW M3 as its inspiration, the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe combines the raw capabilities of a race car with the agility, versatility and seating position of a compact BMW Coupe to create a pure Ultimate Driving Machine®. In doing so, the 1 Series M Coupe continues the eigenwillig tradition of BMW M. With its latest two-door model, BMW M is illustrating its ability to build race car performance into a small car, capable of everyday use.

Dimensions and Construction.
The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe has been developed for near-perfect balance and a large, square footprint. It is 71 inches (1803 mm) wide - 4.8 inches (122 mm) wider than its 1988 M3 ancestor - yet only 1.3 inches (33 mm) longer at 172.4 inches (4379 mm) long. The new 1 Series M Coupe weighs in at 1,495kg DIN (3,296 lbs, preliminary), and features a 104.7-inch (2659 mm) wheelbase, three inches longer than the 1988 M3. Front and rear track widths are exactly the same on the 1 Series M Coupe at 60.7 inches (1542 mm) each. Compared to the 2011 BMW 135i Coupe, the 1 Series M Coupe is 0.2 inches (5 mm) longer, 2.1 inches (53 mm) wider, 0.5 inches (13 mm) taller, and rides on the same 104.7 inch (2659 mm) wheelbase. It features a track 2.8 inches (71 mm) wider up front and 1.8 inches (46 mm) wider in the rear, and weighs 35kg DIN (77 lbs, preliminary) less.

source : bmwusa.com