First Drive: 2012 BMW 1-series M Coupe

The engine itself is another variant of the N54HP -- the high-output version of the old twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six that we've seen in, among other things, the Z4 sDrive35is, 335is, and 740i. No final numbers have been announced, but I was told to expect 340 PS (335 hp) and around 332 lb-ft. The engine apparently has no internal modifications, and retains its 7000-rpm redline -- and its desire to run hot. The oil stabilizes at 120'C, like the 135i, but those extra coolers in the front of the car will surely keep temps from rising above that point. I would moan about this not being a "real" M engine if it weren't so damn good in the first place. The purist in me says that this car, wearing an M badge, should have an 8000-rpm normally aspirated derivative of this motor. The rest of me tells myself to shut up. The ride is stiff, but like the M3's, never ever punishing. Without a single pothole on the drive, it's hard to tell for sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if the 1/MCoupe rode better than a 135i Sport Package, just like the M3 rides better than a 335i Sport Pack. Firm, mind, you, but not unnecessarily so. There is zero body roll (and if you look at the cornering pictures, you'll see that's no exaggeration) or brake dive. A sport-package equipped 335i wagon (hotness!) that we were following was heaving and scrambling around corners and pavement ripples that the 1/MCoupe barely noticed. Traction, thanks to the diff and the big tires, is practically never-ending. And when the rear brakes loose (which I managed only once before turning stability control back on, lest I get yelled at), the 1 is as easy to manage as an M3. Tires are Y-rated Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s, 245/35-ZR19 front and 265/35-ZR19 rear. We weren't told exactly what the steering rack was, but its quick ratio and light low-speed effort outed it as an M-rack.