South Bay BMW

It reportedly took BMW M GmbH engineers two years to develop the new 1 Series M Coupe. While the basic platform is an E82 1 Series, the 1M Coupe boasts a full complement of tuned E92 M3 componentry, including major suspension components, brake rotors, brake calipers, alloy wheels, tire size, exterior mirrors and the M Variable Differential Lock. The borrowed underpinnings from the slightly larger M3 didn't exactly fit within the constraints of the compact 1 Series body, so the engineers flared the fenders on all four corners (the 1M Coupe is 2.1 inches wider than the standard 135i Coupe).

The cockpit is configured with M Sport Seats (with adjustable side and thigh bolsters), a meaty M3 leather steering wheel, Boston leather upholstery and Alcantara trim with contrasting orange stitching and an anthracite headliner. There is no moonroof offered - the sliding glass was replaced with a solid steel roof to save weight (a reported 35 pounds) and lower the center of gravity with the added benefit of offering front seat occupants more head/helmet room.

Launching the M Coupe from a standstill is easy, thanks to a clutch pedal that is weighted perfectly with predictable and progressive take-up. Throws are short and BMW-familiar precise. Thanks to the amazing torque curve of the tuned N54, a slightly aggressive launch will easily spin the rear wheels. Even better, the M Coupe will pull from all six gears at nearly any engine speed (just out of curiosity, we even run it in sixth gear at one-thousand RPM around town and it slowly pulls itself up to the power band without any sign of protest).

BMW doesn't appear to be focusing on whether or not its newest offering is the quickest, fastest or best-handling vehicle in this highly competitive segment. Instead, they bring up the 1988 E30 M3 ? the spiritual predecessor to the new 1 Series M Coupe. That car, incredibly successful when homologated for racing, was also lightweight, nimble and an absolute joy to drive.

In similar manner, what makes the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe so special isn't found in charts, numbers or statistics. Instead, its appeal is discovered once you settle into the supportive bucket seats behind the thick steering wheel. Its allure is captured in the masterful combination of a torque-laden engine mated to a lightweight rear-wheel-drive platform controlled with a traditional manual transmission - the little coupe with the big flares is old school retro-cool and deliciously fun to drive. The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe doesn't target boy-racers, it targets enthusiasts.

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