BMW 1-Series M Coupe: new details

Three hundred and forty horsepower, 1,500kg and an estimated 10 seconds quicker around the 'Ring than the E46 M3.

Those are the headline figures for the most anticipated BMW M-Power model in recent history - the 1 Series M Coupe.

See more pics of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW M development head Albert Biermann revealed the baby M model will come with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine mated 'exclusively' to a six-speed box driving, obviously, the rear wheels.

He said: "A closer look at the prototypes will reveal many similarities to the chassis, brakes and rear diff of the BMW M3."

That 1,500kg weight is an interesting figure - around 200kg lighter than the current, V8-powered M3 (and so keeping to M Boss Kay Segler's promise of a 'small, lightweight racer), but still 200kg heavier than the original E30. This may upset some Internet fans.

Biermann makes reference to the 1 Series M Coupe having parallels with the last-gen M3, but expects it to trounce that car in the performance stakes, meaning the 0-62mph time could well be around five seconds. He also confirmed the 1-M would be 80mm wider than the standard coupe, with the "usual M icons" both inside and out (quad exhausts, being one).

The full, Officially Official reveal will take place at the Detroit motor show in January, and the very first cars will be delivered to customers around summertime.

Oh, and one last thing - the price. No specifics, but Biermann mentioned "it will lie somewhere between the 135i Coupe and the M3 Coupe... with a clear tendency towards the 135i". That car currently sells for just over £30k...

So, with these meaty niblets to chew on, we open the floor to you. What sayeth ye, TopGear fans?