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Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe shows off its insides

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

In true BMW new model roll-out fashion, the hype surrounding the hotter 1 Series M Coupe has been exceedingly well documented. We've spied the car out testing, BMW has shown us videos of the prototypes and now the folks at 1addicts.com have snapped some shots of the M-badged 1's interior, showing a host of upgrades that stand true to the car's beefed up dynamics.

Changes to the 1 Series interior include items like more supportive sport seats, a smaller-diameter steering wheel (from the M3) and two-tone instrument cluster gauges. What's more, we can see the integration of BMW's latest iDrive system in the 1 Coupe, but our favorite part is indeed the fact that a manual gearbox is in place. Dual-clutch setups are nice, but we love being able to shift for ourselves.

In addition to these spy shots, we've also come across the first in-car test video of the 1 Series M Coupe, showing what sort of prowess this little hottie has out on the track. Stop teasing us, BMW - we're ready to conduct our own evaluation. Looking for more shots of the interior? Visit our friends at 1addicts using the link below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M1/1 Series M

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW M1 / 1M with quad pipes

[Source: 1addicts]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe shows off its insides originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery

The rumormill has been buzzing lately about a possible M-badged version of the lovely BMW 1 Series. (We still have a hard time calling it M1, since that name has long been reserved for a far more illustrious creation.) A new report from Inside Line, however, reveals that while a 1 Series-based M1 isn't in the cards, we can look forward to seeing a hotted-up 135is, similar to the Z4 sDrive35is and 335is that have just recently been introduced.

Expect the 135is to use the boosted version of BMW's N54 twin-turbo six found in the Z4 and 3 Series variants. This means we can expect total output numbers around the 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet mark, with an overboost mode that delivers up to 370 lb-ft for brief periods of time. Additionally, a more aggressively tuned suspension will be on hand, improving the coupe's overall dynamics. It might not be as exciting as what a full-bore M1 could be, but we aren't complaining, especially since we're such big fans of the current 135i as is.

So, why not do an M1? Much like the problem Porsche faces with the Cayman and the 911, a too-good 1 Series could potentially overthrow the grandaddy M3, and BMW certainly wouldn't want that. Still, we're glad that BMW is committed to producing a more potent 1 Series and are eagerly awaiting our first drive.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 135i

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Australia

Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Concept 1-Series tii

BMW's little 1 Series has proven itself to be a credible performer that's able to hang with nearly anything else it likely to encounter on the road. But against an Australian V8 Supercar and BMW's own Formula 1 racer? Not a chance. Regardless, these three vehicles will indeed face off at the upcoming F1 season opener Down Under. To help level the playing field, each vehicle will start with a handicap, so the real excitement will begin near the end of the lap when the three cars close in on one another as they sprint to the finish line.

The 1 Series that's taking part in the event will be equipped with the German automaker's potent 3.0L twin-turbo inline six and will wear 18" alloys bolted up to a tuned suspension set up with cross-drilled brakes. A set of tii decals and a full BMW Performance aerodynamic body kit top things off. The race will be repeated 5 times starting on Thursday, March 26th.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix

BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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