00R may know why the new 2012 BMW 1M is painted that peculiar orange-y color. Probably because it's shaping up to be the red-headed step child of M cars.
Now while I am the first to admit that I was WRONG about the X5/6Ms, I am still going to look at the latest M car, tilt my head and wonder "Why?" Not why they built it, that makes a lot of sense. I want to know why they held back on this car besides the obvious: didn't want to step on big bros toes.
A lot of it has to do with its powerplant, which is an N54 twin-turbo'd unit that can be found in the Z4 sDrive35iS. For an M car I thought that it would have a bit more power or some unique aspect to it. To 00R it just seems like BMW could have done this car up as the Tii we were all hoping for and left the M moniker out of it. Am I holding "M" to unrealistic standards?
A big part of me wants to like this car, I really do. I am sure when I drive it I WILL enjoy the 1M because I thoroughly enjoy the 335iS and Z4 sDrive35iS. But I'd never buy one simply because it too suffers from the same problem of the Porsche Cayman; it too was neglected because the brand didn't want to eclipse the main event.
Essentially, here's what I dislike about the car we've been shown. It could have been lighter, more powerful and quite possibly the best M car ever produced at a competitive price. However, it seems we're being delivered a car that will satisfy image-seekers and those looking for a body kit. I get that BMW wanted to keep its price down and create the "baby M," but it just seems like it could have been more.
It will sell like hot cakes and do great business for BMW but to 00R it seems like the opportunity cost is far too great on this one.
Let's just hope I don't have to eat crow, again.
Nurburgring lap times are in for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and according to Skiddmark, the new M is 10 seconds faster than the E46 M3. At 8:12, the 1M is just as fast as the Z4 M Coupe, faster than the E60 M5, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG or the Porsche Cayman S...
[Source: BMWBlog]
**Make sure to check out the FULL gallery by clicking the links down below...
2012 BMW 1M Coupe Photo Gallery
2012 BMW 1M Coupe Photo Gallery
2011 Ford Explorer Launch Photo Gallery
2011 Chrysler 300 Photo Gallery
Mystery Mercedes SUV Photo Gallery
2011 Hyundai Elantra Photo Gallery