Car reviews 2011: Safety, Security, M, MotoGP: BMW 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

Monday, June 6, 2011

Safety, Security, M, MotoGP: BMW 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

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Now and then, we're slightly dunderheaded. BMW sent word of this hot-zip 1-series M a couple of months back and we're just getting to it now. Those of you who follow the MotoGP circus are already aware of the car, but the two-wheel averse should appreciate BMW's CSL Batmobile-esque take on a pace car. Done up in M colors, the 1-series M MotoGP Safety Car was built in-house by the crew at M GmbH and features a full-race getup to stay in front of the hot-blooded ultra-sportbike pack.

Leaving the 340-horse engine untouched, the M men cut weight by swapping the hood for a vented carbon-fiber unit and replaced the side and rear windows with polycarbonate units; the titanium exhaust adds lightness and loudness. The rear seats were yanked, a cage was added, and the tire widths grew 10 mm in the front and 20 mm in the rear, to 255/35-19 and 285/30-19, respectively. And, as is de rigueur on modern, track-oriented cars, a stonking adjustable wing was added to the rear decklid. Other upgrades? An integrated front splitter, six-point belts, and beefier brakes. Safe as milch! Ja, Valentino?

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