Quick Spin: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe
 

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BMW's Version Of A Blue Light Special For Speed

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There's a well-worn automotive axiom that plays out many different ways: The amount of money you spend is proportional to how fast you go. You want more speed? You spend more money.

If you've priced a BMW M3 these days, you see the principle at work. Back in the old days (1987), a U.S.-spec M3 boasted a 195-horsepower four-cylinder engine and did 0-60 miles per hour in about 6.7 seconds on its leisurely way to a 143-mph top speed - all for just over $30,000. Today, the least expensive 414-horsepower V8 M3 will set you back $58,400... as it should. In every conceivable performance metric, the new M3 trounces the old, with its 4.6-second 0-60 mph run, supercar mid-range and electronically-limited 155-mph top end.

This reality left enthusiasts wishing BMW would offer something a little less speedy for a commensurate drop in MSRP. Seeing the opportunity with its 2012 1 Series Coupe, BMW will soon show us how much speed around $45,000 will buy at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. But to tide you over until then, come with us for a ride in a BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype.

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Gallery: 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe: Prototype Drive

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Photos copyright (C)2010 Rex Roy / AOL, BMWContinue reading Quick Spin: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Quick Spin: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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