BMW 1 Series M Does 8M12S on Nurburgring

With all the details of the new BMW 1 Series M released last week, all the eyes turned on the capabilities the model promised to display on the road or on the track. And what better way to judge those capabilities than to put the model on the famous Nurburgring and race it for a lap or two. According to BMWblog, citing Skiddmark, the 1 Series M achieved a lap time of 8 minutes and 12 seconds. Using standard Michelin PS2 road tires, the model was capable of outperforming the E46 BMW M3 by some ten seconds, just what BMW was aiming for. The power for the model comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.0l in-line six cylinder engine, capable of 340 hp and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). These figures allow the model to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) from stand still in 4.9 seconds and achieve a speed of 125 mph (200 km/h) in 17.3 seconds. “With this 2-door model, BMW M is now realising for the first time in this vehicle class its concept of racing-oriented performance characteristics in a car developed for everyday use,” BMW said when it presented the car last week. “This further extends the company's model range, paving the way for younger target groups to be able to access the hallmark driving experience offered by an M car.” The model will take the center stage at next month's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). When it is launched next year, it will sell for EUR50,500 in Germany. autoevolution will be attending the 2011 North American International Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions.