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2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe RS by Tuningwerk
 
Just when you thought that tuning programs for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe had died down, Tuningwerk comes out of the woodwork to present one, which they have affectionately called the 1M RS. With the intention of creating a street-legal race car from the 1-Series M Coupe, the German tuner decided to shave off any excess weight from the stock model. That involved replacing a number of body panels on the car with carbon fiber, including the hood, the boot lid, the GT4 front lip spoiler, the rear wing, and yes, even the Recaro bucket seats. All carbon fiber, all the time. Moving on to the wheels, Tuningwerk fitted the 1M RS with a new set of 19" forged ATS superlight wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx high-performance tires. For the engine, Tuningwerk pretty much injected the 1M Coupe’s 3.0-liter turbocharged engine with enough upgrades to significantly increase the car’s output. The German tuner modified the turbochargers and the cooling system, installed a custom exhaust system, and remapped the car’s ECU unit, all of which were done to give the 1M RS an output of 514 horsepower and 453 lb/ft of torque and a top speed of 186 mph. If you think those aren’t significant, you only need to look at the stock model’s 335-horsepower and 332 lb/ft of torque numbers to realize how ridiculous the power upgrade is. Rounding out Tuningwerk’s program for the 1M Coupe include the addition of a racing clutch, a sturdier suspension set-up, and a new braking system that come with optional carbon fiber discs. For all the work done on this 1M Coupe, the cost pretty much reflects it. If you’re interested in the 1M RS, be prepared to shell out €119,000, which is around $156,500 based on current exchange rates. Hit the jump for more information on the BMW 1-Series Coupe RS by Tuningwerk. Full story
2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe Dakar Yellow
Back in 2010, pictures of a Dakar Yellow BMW M3 spotted in Southern California flooded the internet, gaining the admiration of many a car enthusiast. At that time, we wondered why BMW did not carry the striking yellow exterior finish on more of their models, but alas the German automaker stuck to their high maintenance "Frozen" finishes of Dark Blue, Gray, and Silver. Until now. A similar Dakar Yellow package has been applied to the new 1-Series M Coupe, rounded out by a series of visual and power upgrades. The package starts off with a series of elements from the BMW Performance arm, including new seats, a new steering wheel, pedals, shifter, and carbon fiber trunk lip. Then, since this is a high performance sports coupe, carbon fiber elements were thrown in to enhance its character. The 1M Coupe received a new front lip, a new diffuser, new side valances and skirts, and a new roof, all covered in carbon fiber. For an even meaner look, the car also received new angel eyes. Under the flashy paint job and shimmering carbon fiber, the BMW 1M Coupe also juiced up with new Brembo brakes and a new set of KW suspensions. Next, the Dakar Yellow 1M received an Akrapovic exhaust system and a wireless kit to add to the all around fun of the sports coupe’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 340 horsepower. BMW stops taking orders for the 1-Series M Coupe
 When BMW announced their 1-Series M Coupe in 2011, the anticipation building up until the release of the model was uncontrollable. And unless you are one of the lucky 2700 to grab a unit of this limited model, that excitement was all for nothing. BMW has announced that they have stopped taking orders for the sports coupe and that the production will end in the summer of 2012. As of right now, all 2700 units have been spoken for and BMW is reserving the time to produce the units that remain. No official details have been provided just yet, but it is believed that BMW will be offering an M2 version for their upcoming 2-Series that will be offered instead of the current 1-Series Coupe. Before that happens, we will see the M135i - set to be unveiled later this year. As a reminder, the 1-Series M Coupe is powered by a twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers an impressive 335 HP. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
If You Can’t Afford a BMW 1M, Just Build Something Better
At one point I really wanted an RX8, almost to the point of doing whatever it took to get the money for one. Well, after a promotion, I managed to get one and was sorely disappointed by it. Well, an Egyptian man decided to put the words “I’ll do anything” into action in an extreme way. In Egypt, as with many developing countries, vehicles are very expensive and even more so when considering a luxury ride like a BMW 1M. With a $150,000 price tag in Egypt – more than triple its U.S. price – this wise fellow decided that the 1M was not in the cards for him now. Instead of giving up altogether, he decided to build something better than his dream car. He began his quest with a stock BMW 120d, which once boasted a 161-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel engine, and completely stripped it down. He then pulled an S65 V-8 monster from an M3, which pumps out 414 horsepower, and dropped it in his 120d. Well, “dropping” the engine in included some motor mount and ECU modifications. This young man then installed the M3’s suspension onto the 120d, added 1M body panels, slapped 19-inch wheels on it, and last, had a custom exhaust and driveshaft fitted to it. In the end “hatembmw,” as he goes by on a popular BMW forum, invested about $45,000 to modify his 120d into a monster that would likely annihilate a 335-horsepower M1. As detailed as this process is, this entire project took him just eight weeks to complete – three to four weeks on mechanical stuff and four weeks on the body. All we can do is tip my hat to hatembmw… Good show, my friend, good show indeed. Enjoy the videos, we know we certainly did. Hit the jump for additional videos. Full story 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe by Hartge
Even though we don’t really think the BMW 1-Series M Coupe needs any upgrade packages to add to its stellar style, there have actually been a ton of tuning packages for it since its debut. Now, German tuner, Hartge, is adding yet another one to the list. For their package, the tuner is offering a pretty impressive engine upgrade, as well as a couple of exterior and interior modifications. For the 3.0 liter turbocharged engine, Hartge is offering a tweaked ECU and stainless steel rear silencer with dual round tail pipes that will increase the output from the standard 340 HP to an impressive 401 HP at 5,850 rpm and a peak torque of 391 lb-ft at 2,950 rpm. Thanks to the extra power, the Hartge 1-Series M Coupe will sprint from 0 to 124 mph in just 11.34 seconds - an improvement from the standard 13.52 seconds. The tuner is also offering a new set of alloy wheels combined with a 30mm lowering kit. Hartge is also throwing in a boot lip spoiler and a roof spoiler for the exterior and aluminum pedals and bespoke floor mats for the interior. Most powerful M6 on its way while BMW M subsidiary continues to consider its own supercar
The new generation BMW M6 is preparing to rev its way to dealerships in Summer 2012 after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and its promising to be the most powerful super-coupe in BMW’s history. Its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 552 HP and 502 lb ft of torque makes it capable of running its owner to their job on a daily basis, as well as running the track in superior fashion. That being said, a BMW insider has stated that the M6 should not be referred to as a "pure sports car." That designation should be left to the super car that the BMW M Division is trying to develop, again. "M wants to build its own car. BMW has a great heritage of super-coupés and the M6 is the latest part of that. But we also want to do something that we can call a ’super sports car’." By the time this M Division super car is ready to be launched, BMW is hoping it will take on vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with ease. BMW and its M Division have been trying to come up with a business case for the future super car for a long time, using the BMW M1 Hommage (pictured above) as a starting point. When that concept first debuted in 2008, it was rumored to get a powerful V10 5.0 liter engine capable of delivering 600+ HP, even though the original 1978 BMW M1 only pushed out 270 HP. We figure that if BMW can attempt at least a happy medium between the original 270 HP and the rumored 600 HP, then the M Division’s super car may be a tough contender in the tough "pure sports car" market. Let us know what you think in the comments section below! TopSpeed’s Best of 2011: Coupe of the Year
Last year’s picks for the coupe of the year raged a war between the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang, but this year things are a bit different. In fact, neither one of these muscle cars made the list, simply because the new Camaro ZL1 isn’t available for purchase just yet. With the two major muscle cars out of the running, we were still left with a ton of vehicles worthy of some time in the spotlight. Our choices for the top coupes of 2011 are kind of all over the place. From the Audi TT-RS’ return to the States to the Lotus Exige S and its road-going capabilities on the other side of the pond, there’s pretty much a flavor for anybody. In fact, if we’ve missed one of your favorites, make sure to hit us up. Hit the jump for our picks for the 2011 Coupe of the Year, in alphabetical order. Full story Playboy’s Cars of the Year 2012
We don’t usually associate Playboy with cars, unless scantily clad women were somehow involved, but the American men’s magazine has just unveiled the top 11 hottest models people should buy in 2012. Now guys can really say they are picking up Playboy’s latest issue for the articles! The top spot for this honorable list goes to none other than the fastest production Jaguar ever built - the XKR-S! But next to this remarkable sports car is the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the Fiat 500, the Range Rover Evoque, the Lexus CT 200h, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the Bentley Continental GTC, the Ford Mustang Boss 302, the Audi A7, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, and the Hyundai Veloster. There are certainly many fabulous vehicles to choose from on this list - and some not so fabulous vehicles - so do you agree with the top spot? Let us know in the comments section below! 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe GTS-V by Vorsteiner
California-based tuning company, Vorsteiner, has made a name for itself for being one of the best BMW tuners in the country today. Oddly enough, though, Vorsteiner’s line-up of programs for BMW vehicles was missing a popular model: the 1-Series M Coupe. Turns out, Vorsteiner was just biding its time before unloading its very first project for the baby 1M, which they’re now calling the "1M Coupe GTS-V." The full details of the program have not yet been disclosed, although the company did share a couple of new features the GTS-V program will have on the 1-Series M Coupe. Among the added elements fitted to the 1M include a front spoiler with an integrated brake duct system, a redesigned rear diffuser with extended aero fins and GTS-V designed splitters, a lightweight boot lid with its own small wing, and a new set of either 19" or 20" Forged Concave Wheels. As an added option, Vorsteiner is also offering a cat-back titanium sport exhaust system. On the inside, the tuning company is including some special embroidered floor mats with orange piping to spice up the 1M Coupe’s interior set-up. No word yet on what kind of performance upgrades the 1M Coupe GTS-V will carry. Rest assured, we won’t expect anything less than ’pedestrian’ figures from Vorsteiner. Knowing these guys, we’re confident that they have something explosive under that hood. 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe by IND
Having a car like the BMW 1-Series M Coupe affords you the opportunity of bringing a tuning company that can play around with it and modify it according to your tastes and preferences. Such was the case when an owner of the 1-Series M Coupe brought his freshly delivered sports car to the people of IND with the sole purpose of turning it into a bonafide rocket on wheels. Time was of the essence for IND, who were only given 48 hours to complete their project. And true to their reputation as certified pros, IND did a whale of job, building a comprehensive tuning program that includes plenty of specially selected pieces that are all new to the market. For instance, the 1-Series M Coupe’s hood was taken out, replaced by a new power dome with carbon fiber pieces by Seibon. To give the sports car a colorful balance of sportiness and aggression, IND added gloss black front and side grilles to match the car’s Valencia Orange paint finish. Similarly, the tuning company also put in a two-piece adjustable front lip and two-piece rear diffuser, provided for by RevoZport, a new rear spoiler from BMW Performance, a custom paint scheme for the engine cover, and a Valencia Orange-striped BMW Performance steering wheel. A one-off, pre-production sports shifter from Rogue Engineering was also put in, as was Eisenmann’s new downpipe-back exhaust system, which was added, together with Akrapovic downpipes, to provide a significant bump up in performance output for the 1-Series M Coupe. With all the changes in tow, the car’s software was further optimized by ESS Tuning, giving it significant improvements in terms of its engine performance. No word yet on the new numbers for this IND-tuned 1-Series M Coupe, although one wouldn’t be remiss thinking that these could be one of the most powerful tuning programs done on the 1M sports car.
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