US Press Information: The All-New BMW 1 Series M Coupe
US Press Information: The All-New BMW 1 Series M Coupe
US Press Information: The All-New BMW 1 Series M Coupe
of BMW AG
US Press Information
David J. Buchko
Advanced Powertrain & Heritage Communications
Tel. 201-307-3709
Dave.Buchko@bmwna.com
Matthew Russell
BMW Product & Motorsport Communications
Tel. 201-307-3755
Matthew.Russell@bmwna.com
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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.
The new 1 Series M Coupe features a high-strength steel unibody, with unique, widened
fenders and rear quarter panels to house the substantially widened track. It also features a
metal roof panel which saves about 35 lbs (15kg) compared to BMW 1 Series models
equipped with a moonroof. The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe, constructed as one of
BMW’s most performance-oriented vehicles in recent years, will not be offered with a
moonroof. This weight savings - at the tallest point of the vehicle - provides a
corresponding drop in the center of gravity, which contributes to improved driving
dynamics. It also helps maximize head room (or helmet room, as the case may be).
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Virtually all of the front-end components are aluminum, including the front struts, swivel
bearings, central subframe and an additional thrust panel below the engine serving to
maximize lateral stiffness of the entire front section.
At the rear axle, the subframe, transverse arms, track arms, and wheel hubs have been
reconfigured by M for ideal kinematics, geometry and stiffness. Virtually every detail on
the five-arm rear axle is made of aluminum and is new for this generation of BMW M
vehicles, including the aluminum dampers.
Both the front and rear axles feature hollow anti-roll bars optimized for their function and
weight. Incorporating two additional longitudinal reinforcement bars, axle kinematics are
perfectly tailored to the overall street and track character of the car. The result, in terms of
both stability and weight, conforms to the balanced performance concept of every BMW M
vehicle.
Service – and safety – are enhanced thanks to an integrated wear indicator which, through
a dash display, allows the driver to monitor the condition of the brake linings. Brake
service – covered for four years or 50,000 miles under BMW Ultimate Service - can thus
be administered when necessary without guesswork.
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The 1 Series M Coupe is equipped with the M-specific, light-alloy cross-spoke wheels
from the M3 Competition Package and limited-production M3 GTS. They measure 19 x 9
inches with 245/35/R19 low-profile tires at the front and 19 x 10 inches with 265/35/R19
tires at the rear, and are silver in color.
In the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, power transmission to the rear wheels also provides the
ideal basis for thrilling driving dynamics due to the consistent separation of drivetrain and
steering functions. The rack-and-pinion steering is fitted with the hydraulic power steering
system called Servotronic, which regulates boost in relation to road speed.
Engine.
The heart of every BMW is the engine, and so an inline-6 with outstanding performance,
free-revving behavior, and endless thrust propels the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The concept
is familiar: in the model history of BMW M, the high-revving inline-6 is one of the classic
engine formats. In the second and third generations of BMW M3, the inline-6 became
famous for combining high output, razor-sharp response, and sonorous sounds. In the
BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the inline-6 engine concept is realized in its most up-to-date
form.
The turbocharger system developed for the engine of the new 1 Series M Coupe maintains
a high output throughout the entire engine speed range. Maximum output of 335 hp (250
kW) is delivered at 5,900 rpm. Nominal peak torque is 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) from 1,500 rpm
to 4,500 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm. The enhanced engine management system of the 1
Series M Coupe includes an electronically-controlled overboost function to briefly increase
torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft (50 Nm). This temporary torque peak of 369 lb-ft
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gives the car a substantial increase in acceleration. The 1 Series M Coupe will complete the
sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (0-100 kmh in 4.9 seconds). The
standing quarter-mile mark comes up in 13.2 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to
155 mph (250 kmh).
M Drive Button.
The new 1 Series M Coupe also features the steering wheel-mounted M Drive button that
made its first appearance in the 2006 M5. In the 1 Series M Coupe, the M Button activates
a razor-sharp throttle response program for the sportiest driving. This means that the
performance characteristics of the engine can be varied according to the driver's wishes.
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ensured. The centrifuge principle of the variable M differential lock supports the dynamic
qualities of rear-wheel drive both on slippery surfaces and when accelerating out of bends.
This gives the BMW 1 Series M Coupe traction benefits on slippery surfaces, snow and
sand. It also supports sporty-style motoring on narrow, winding roads such as mountain
passes since optimum traction and maximum drive torque are available when accelerating
out of a bend. So in this model, too, the variable M differential lock proves ideal support
for the driving dynamics properties of rear-wheel drive.
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe includes such
elements as the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an anti-slip control function (ASC), the
brake assistant Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), a hill-hold assistant for starting off,
Cornering Brake Control (CBC), a brake fade compensation function and a brake drying
function. In the wet or on slippery surfaces the DSC intervenes discreetly to limit oversteer.
As an alternative to normal operating status, the driver can activate M Dynamic Mode
(MDM) by means of pushing the MDM Button between the front air vents, raising the
intervention thresholds of the DSC system. MDM enables slight amounts of dynamic
oversteer under specific circumstances to enable optimum vehicle yaw for maximum
performance. Demonstrations at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, S.C. have
proven MDM mode to enable the fastest-possible lapping performance while still providing
the assurance and protection of Dynamic Stability Control. MDM also facilitates starting
off in snow or loose surfaces by means of carefully controlled amounts of wheelspin. DSC
may be fully disabled via a long-press of the MDM button (ABS remains active).
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This innovative aerodynamic feature consists of openings in the outer section of the lower
front fascia that route high-pressure air through ducts at each front corner. The ducts are
approximately 10 x 3 centimeters wide and are designed to channel air to openings at the
front of each wheel arch, where it is discharged through a very narrow opening at high
speed. The escaping air stream covers the side of the front wheels like a curtain, thereby
reducing aerodynamically unfavorable turbulence around the rotating wheels.
This feature has a key role to play in the development of future aerodynamic innovations.
An example of the air curtain principle was first presented in the concept study BMW
Vision EfficientDynamics at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 2009, and
the developers of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe took on the pioneering task of applying this
element to a production vehicle. To do so, they utilized the unique capabilities of the new
full-scale “rolling road” Aerolab wind tunnel at the BMW Group's new Aerodynamic
Testing Center.
Design.
There are three exterior paint finishes to choose from for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. In
addition to Alpine White non-metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic, Valencia Orange
Metallic is available exclusively for this compact high-performance sports car.
The powerfully shaped front fascia is dominated by three large air intakes which secure
cooling air for the high-performance engine. The wide central air intake is covered by a
honeycomb-structured grille, while the two outer intakes are completely open. This means
that in every situation on the road or track, a sufficiently large quantity of cooling air is fed
directly to the engine oil cooler on the right and to the supplemental coolant radiator on the
left.
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voluminously at both the front and rear. One hallmark M feature is the chrome gill element
on the front wheel arch which is particularly elongated. It bears the side turn indicator and
the M brand logo, as well as forming the starting point of the character line running along
the door handles to the rear. A vertical contour edge starts at the gill element which leads
down to the side sill. Fine-tuning in the wind tunnel has also shaped the design of the
exterior mirrors. In their basic shape they are the same as those of the BMW M3.
The powerful wheel arches also make the rear of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe seem
especially broad. Horizontally arranged lines accentuate this impression. A discreet spoiler
lip on the luggage compartment lid generates additional downforce on the rear axle at high
speeds. The rear fascia has side openings which echo the look of the Air Curtain intakes in
the front fascia. The characteristic M visual symmetry is created by two sets of chrome
twin tailpipes, each positioned towards the outer edges. L-shaped rear light clusters with
red glass covers create a characteristic night-time illumination. Inside these, the rear light is
provided by two light banks fed by LED units.
The BMW 1 Series M Coupe features standard Xenon Adaptive headlamps. The twin
circular headlights are truncated in the upper section by an LED-fed “eyebrow.” This is
what creates the focused look of the 1 Series M Coupe.
Focused Interior.
The M-specific cockpit developed exclusively for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is designed
to facilitate focused, sporty driving. High-quality, dark Alcantara with orange contrast
stitching covers the door panels, door pulls, instrument cluster binnacle, dash panel, and
gearshift and handbrake lever boots. The driver’s attention is focuses on an M-specific
instrument cluster with gray dials, classic M red pointers, and white backlighting. An M
driver footrest and M entry sills round off the unique interior.
The black sport seats in standard Boston leather have orange contrasting stitching and an M
logo embossed in the front of each headrest. Seat heating is available for both front seats.
The orange contrast stitching is also echoed on the rear seats and on all design elements
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featuring Alcantara. The leather M multifunction steering wheel features the now-
ubiquitous M Button for spontaneous activation of the sharpest throttle response.
The dominance of dark surfaces, including the A pillar trim and anthracite headliner
reduces sun glare and promotes focus on the road. In combination with high-quality
materials, carefully planned contours, and selective color accents, the interior of the BMW
1 Series M Coupe provides a perfect environment in which to pursue driving pleasure.
Safety Equipment
BMW passionately pursues a safety philosophy with three key modes: a) superior accident
avoidance, b) superior crash survivability, and c) comprehensive post-crash notification.
The 1 Series M Coupe features an extensive range of standard equipment which
underscores BMW’s safety research culture. Standard safety features include front, pelvis-
thorax and side curtain head airbags, three-point automatic seatbelts for all seats with belt
force limiters and belt pretensioners at the front. Models equipped with BMW Assist
feature BMW’s Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification, which alerts authorities when
an airbag deployment has occurred. Furthermore, data from on-board safety systems is
processed and analyzed through the proprietary URGENCY algorithm so that the vehicle
may provide the BMW Assist call center with special notice when occupants are likely to
have sustained severe injury.
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organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car
centers, 336 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 100
MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding
Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff
Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com
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