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Autoblog test drives the pre-production prototype of the 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The complete unveiling of this car is expected to happen around two to three weeks from now. Here is an excerpt of what Autoblog has to say about the much awaited vehicle:
After we hit the starter button, we didn’t care about the interior.
The motor spooled up quickly, smoothly and quietly. The short shifter moved easily into gear. Unlike some modern performance vehicles, there are no adjustments for the suspension, the steering or engine management. It is what it is. And it’s very good.
The BMW Servotronic steering is a pure hydraulic setup that operates without any electronic intervention. The response is linear, direct and builds predictably through corners.
Likewise, the suspension takes a set in corners and plants itself. Unlike other 1 Series, there is no understeer, the model’s Achilles’ Heal. Thank the wider stance and big Michelins.
While it felt good to not have a computer intervene and give it what you think you want or need, on the damp German roads, we were glad to have BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control on in the background. During our exuberant drive, DSC waited for us to screw up or be surprised. It never saw action. To burn off the mph, the brakes proved strong and balanced with good bite and better progression.
The country roads around Scheyern were full of tight to medium curves. Regardless of the corner’s radius or gearbox cog, the hottest 1 carved through each one and then roared onto the straights. The torque came on like a freight train’s diesel-electric motor, never flagging. Above 1,400 rpm, the entire rev range is rich with power. Turbo lag? Yes, there’s some, but truly just a moment’s. In most situations, you’ll never notice.
Source: Autoblog
