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We're eagerly anticipating the official debut of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe at January's Detroit Auto Show, and moreover, we're lacing up our driving mocs in anticipation of some much-needed seat time. Before the car's official launch, however, the folks at EVO magazine were able to take the 1 Series M prototype for a quick spin, and might we say, we're jealous.To recap, the 1M will be powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six found in the Z4 sDrive35is with output rated at 340 horsepower. Combine that with a 3,300-pound curb weight, six-speed manual transmission and a seriously beefed up suspension and we have the makings for a truly impressive driving machine.Follow the jump to watch EVO's Chris Harris take the 1 Series M out on the road, and stay tuned for the official smattering of images and details closer to the car's Detroit debut.
Nice! but will be price be too?
With 335 horsepower underhood and a 0-60 time pegged at 4.7 seconds, there's no doubt that BMW's hot new 1 Series M Coupe is a sprightly little monster. But just how fast is it? For that we'll want to look at its Nürburgring lap times for some guidance.As with any performance Bimmer, the 1 Series M Coupe underwent much of its development and fine-tuning on the Norschleife, and sources indicate an impressive lap time of 8:12. That the current E92-generation M3, with its high-revving V8 engine and 8:05 lap time, makes better time around the Nordschleife than the 1 Series M Coupe should come as no surprise - Despite being smaller and lighter, BMW wouldn't have allowed the 1 M to overtake its costlier brother.What's more indicative, however, is that - on the more level six-pot playing field - the 1 Series M Coupe is reportedly quicker around the 'Ring than the previous-generation M3's 8:22 lap time. (The track-focused CSL version is significantly swifter at 7:50, its successor the M3 GTS that much more so at 7:48, but with more hardcore versions of the 1 Series M Coupe potentially in the pipeline, all bets are off.)The new 1 Series M Coupe is also apparently quicker around the Ring than the outgoing M5 - that supercar of four-door sedans - with its award-winning V10 engine, proving that agility will pip power on anything but a straight line any day.