The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe hits the dyno, makes big power

The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe tested by the Inside Line forced out an impressive 331 horsepower and 362lb-ft of horsepower but it should be pointed out (for anyone who might be unsure) that those numbers are based on the amount of power put the ground. The 335hp and 332tq stated by BMW are the ratings at the crankshaft and typically, modern rear wheel drive vehicles have a drivetrain loss somewhere around 15%. Based on that number, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe should be putting roughly 285hp to the wheels and about 282lb-ft of torque but the newest M vehicle features an “overboost” feature where the engine allegedly makes 370lb-ft of torque; although the driver has no input as to when the vehicle chooses to engage the overboost feature.

Well, it looks like the overboost feature of the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe was alive and well during testing as the actual power output was substantially higher than should be expected from a front engine, rear drive car with 335hp and 332lb-ft of torque…or even a vehicle making 370lb-ft of torque. Based on the findings by the Inside Line and assuming an average drivetrain loss of 15%, the 1 Series M Coupe makes closer to 390 horsepower and 426lb-ft of torque. Numbers like that make the compact new M coupe even more impressive, especially considering that it weighs just 3,351lbs and cost a miniscule $46,135 – making it one incredible “bang for your buck” sports car packed full of BMW luxury.

The bad news for the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is that it is being offered around the world in very limited numbers – so limited that the automaker hasn’t actual set a number thus far – so getting one shan’t be easy. However, for those who do get their hands on one of these rare M coupes this year, they will certainly own one amazing piece of high performance BMW history. The American automakers have been understating the power of their performance models since the 1960s and it looks like BMW has taken up the act with their new compact 1 Series M Coupe.

Check out the video below to see the BMW 1 Series M Coupe in action from Inside Line and enjoy the gallery below of the new M Coupe at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Other BMW News:
BMW 1-Series M Coupe configurator is live
The 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe hits the scales
BMW to offer turbocharged 4-cylinder Z4 in the US
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