2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe [PHOTOS]

PHOTOS 
Following an unrelenting teaser campaign, BMW has officially unveiled the 1-Series M Coupe.
Designed to be the spiritual successor to the original M3, the 1-Series M Coupe "embodies the unmistakable M feeling in a highly concentrated form." It features aggressive bumper fascias, bi-xenon headlights (with LED "eyebrows"), flared wheel arches, and 19-inch light-weight alloy wheels. Only three exterior colors will be available and they include Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic and Valencia Orange Metallic.

Inside, the cabin boasts sports seats, Boston leather upholstery, and Alcantara trim. Other goodies include a revised instrument cluster, a sport steering wheel, and orange contrast stitching. On the options list, customers will find dual-zone automatic climate control, comfort access, a Harman Kardon audio system, BMW ConnectedDrive (aka internet access), and GPS navigation with an 8.8-inch display.
As expected, power is provided by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 250 kW (340 PS / 335 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission which allows the 1,495 kg (3,295 lb) car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 17.3 seconds, and onto an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). In terms of efficiency, expect an average fuel consumption of 9.6 L/100km (24.5 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 224 g/km.
To ensure the car handles like a proper BMW, engineers installed an aluminum-intensive suspension which uses a double pivot front axle and a five-link rear. Furthermore, the coupe has been fitted with an M differential that "responds to differences in rotational speeds in the right and left rear wheel, redirecting drive torque within a fraction of a second."
Despite being marketed as a 'pure' sports car, the 1-Series M boasts an alphabet soup of handling technology. Highlights include DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Antilock Brakes (ABS), anti-slip control (ASC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). When all else fails, the high performance braking system calls on internally-ventilated cast iron discs - that measure 360mm front / 350mm rear - to bring the action to a halt.
The 1-Series M Coupe will debut at the North American International Auto Show, before going on sale in Germany this May with a €50,500 (including VAT) price tag.
Check out the press release for additional information
Source: BMW