2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe could be limited to just 2700 units

Reports have included details of limited colour options too, which will be restricted to just three; Valencia Orange, Jet Black and Alpine White. Although BMW M hasn't confirmed these details, the rumours were spread from almost-internal sources, so we'll have to wait and see. Either that or BMW M is just doing a fine job of building anticipation.

Other reports claimed to have uncovered further details about the powertrain, too. The car, as predicted, will feature a 3.0-litre twin turbo engine and be offered in manual transmission form only. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six will be based on that of the BMW 135i (N54) engine, except it won't just offer 225kW, reports say the thoroughly revised N54 will output 254kW specifically.

This kind of power matches that of the previous generation BMW M3's output, meaning it's going to be a very serious performer. With this amount of power offered in such as small car it won't really have any direct competition.

This begs the question; will it be faster than the existing BMW M3? Presumably equipped with a much lighter chassis, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe could very well beat an M3 around any ribbon of tarmac - although outright acceleration will probably be the 1M's weak point against the higher spec model. But should M Division be concerned about 'losing' sales to potential M3 buyers?