Guy Shoe Horns M5 V10 Into 1 Series Coupe

By Marcus Slater - October 15, 2012

Small car. Huge engine. It’s such a simple formula, and yet the results are nearly always awesome. The Shelby Cobra comes to mind as the most famous mix, but there are plenty of V8 Miatas that live out that same ethos daily. Now it’s the 1 series’ turn.

In a way, this is a perfect fit. The old M5’s V10 was criticized for being revvy and high-strung when compared to it’s contemporaries. Mercedes’ Black Series AMG’s all had fewer cylinders, but they had the torque that made driving them a breeze. Audi’s RS6 was similar. They weren’t faster, but they felt like it. I’ve always felt the revvy V10 would be a better fit for a sports car than a sports sedan. Would the M1 be a better fit? Probably, but since that car is the definition of rare, the 1 series coupe seems like the second best option.

Performance wise, the new engine delivers. 0-60 is dispatched in about four seconds and the top-speed hovers around 202mph. The engine is predictably snug in the 1 series narrow engine bay. It’s a small price to pay for V10 power. Though, we suspect it might not be so happy in such a cramped space after a day of track duty. The rest of the car seems to be up for it though. KW supplied the suspension so it should be able to handle the extra weight up front. It also has brakes lifted from the X6 M. With stoppers like those, brake fade should be a thing of the past.