The BMW 1 series M coupé is finally here.

Here it finally is, the very first BMW 1 series to be given the M treatment, the 1 series M coupé. Despite only being the entry level as far as M cars are concerned, the 1 series M coupé does have a lot to live up to, especially after the fact that BMW have released shots of it side by side the original 1980s M3, a suggestion that the 1 series M coupé is its spiritual successor.

Impressions from the pictures suggest a thrilling driving experience, what with swollen wheel arches, aggressive looking bumpers, and M3 CSL style rims.

Power comes from BMW's new TwinPower turbo 3.0 litre inline 6-cylinder engine producing 340 hp @ 5900 rpm, and a maximum torque of 500 nm (around 368 lb ft) @ 1500-4500 rpm.  The torque figure means that it produces more than its V8-engined big brother the M3.

Another area where the 1 series M coupé trumps the M3 is in weight.  It weighs in at 1495 kg making it around 160 kg lighter than the M3, and 65 kg less than the 135i on which it is based.

The 1 series M coupé will be available with a traditional six speed manual transmission.  Which combined with the new powerplant will get the M coupé from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph.  The average fuel economy figure is 9.6 litres per 100 km while producing 224 grams per kilometre.

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