BMW is looking to develop the 1 series a step further than the current 135i. The pinnacle of the 1 series is provisionally called the BMW 1-series M Coupe, not the M1 for obvious nostalgic reasons. We have managed to pry some details on what the changes made to the 1M will amount to.

Initial reports suggest the engine will put out around 25kW more than the 135i, taking it up to 250kW. In all likelihood the 1M will use the single twinpower turbocharger that the current 535i uses. Also included in the M package will be the M-differential from the M3, which will no doubt improve handling and traction substantially.

On the inside it’s laden with bits of added carbon fibre, for instance the seats are made from the lightweight material and that all adds up to a loss of 50kg over the 135i.

100kph should arrive in 4.6 seconds, the same as the current M3 thanks to the choice of a six-speed manual box or the seven-speed M-DCT option.

In the images here you may notice the addition of the flared wheel arches, those aren't purely for show. The track is wider as the baby M will use front and rear axles as well as the brakes from the E90 M3. With the shorter wheelbase and lighter weight, the 1-Series M Coupe could well start a serious rivalry with its big brother. We can't wait.

As for pricing we estimate it to come into SA at the R550k mark.