SEPANG: BMW Group Malaysia unveiled the limited edition BMW 1 Series M Coupe in conjunction with the BMW M Track Experience Asia 2012 at the Sepang International Circuit on Tuesday.
Though based on the compact 1 Series model, this M variant has been extensively beefed up by BMW’s M motorsports division, featuring an in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine with BMW M TwinTurbo technology that puts out a whopping 340bhp and 450Nm.
Fitted to a six-speed manual transmission, the little car does the 0-100kph sprint in 4.9 seconds.
Racing touches in the 1 Series M Coupe includes a variable M differential lock allows the correct amount of torque to be sent to individual driving wheels when on slippery surfaces or accelerating out of bends.
In addition, the vehicle’s Driving Stability Control system, which includes anti-lock brake system, an anti-slip control function, dynamic brake control, cornering brake control, anti-fading function and a dry brake function, goes to enhance the safety levels of the two-door car when driven on the track or public roads.
Inside, the sports seats are in Boston leather while the M leather steering wheel gets multi-function keys for operating the audio and telephone systems as well as a characteristic M button on the right steering wheel spoke enables the driver to switch spontaneously to a sports-style vehicle set-up.
Also fitted is a large 8.8-inch centre monitor display which displays infotainment, navigation and communication data.
“With only a very limited number of units of the BMW 1 Series M Coupes being made available in Malaysia, the car will be one of the most exclusive vehicles available for BMW purists,” said BMW Group Malaysia corporate communications manager Sashi Ambi.
On-the-road without insurance price is RM508,800.