BMW USA Introduces 1 Series M Coupe Configurator

The moment when US customers can customize a new BMW 1 Series M Coupe to their liking has arrived, as the online configurator has gone live. In typical German fashion, it’s not all that exciting, as there are no bold graphics or catchy tunes in the background. But what the site loses in excitement, the car makes up for in performance.

The new BMW 1-Series M Coupe features a high-strength steel unibody, with widened fenders and rear quarter panels to house the substantially widened track. It also features a metal roof panel which saves about 35 lbs (15kg) compared to BMW 1-Series models equipped with a moonroof. The 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe, constructed as one of BMW's most performance-oriented vehicles in recent years, will not be offered with a moonroof. The vehicle’s chassis uses components that were initially destined for the M3, with the car tipping the scales at 1,495 kg (3296 lbs). Customers can choose to have the car finished in Alpine White non-metallic, Black Sapphire metallic and the exclusive Valencia Orange metallic.

There’s plenty of power and torque (340 hp and 450 Nm or 500 with overboost) available from a 2,979 cc in-line six-cylinder twin-turbocharged unit that uses direct injection and double VANOS variable valve timing. The figures speak for themselves, with the coupe hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and offering an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The beast comes as standard with the famous ‘M’ button, which allowing the lucky owner to select between a torque-focused, more docile engine setup and the more extreme M Dynamic Mode (MDM) which offers full performance.