2011 BMW 1 M Coupe MotoGP Safety Car

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At the curtain raiser on 19th March, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe will for the first time be deployed as the official Safety Car for the MotoGP events - in advance of its market launch late in April. The BMW Safety Car is a one-off built by BMW M GmbH specifically for this race series. Only the 340 hp straight-six M TwinPower Turbo engine and the entire drivetrain were taken over unchanged from the production model.

Lightweight: Carbon Fiber Components and Titanium Exhaust

In the interests of weight optimization, the BMW Safety Car comes with a carbon fiber-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows. A special lightweight titanium race exhaust system from Akrapovic not only saves weight but also delivers a captivating sound for the benefit of the spectators. Complementing the discreet spoiler lip on the boot lid there is now an adjustable rear wing to provide the requisite downforce. On the Safety Car the aerodynamically honed front apron with its precisely defined air ducting, including Air Curtains, features an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the apron.

Purist Interior

The interior of the BMW Safety Car is a model of uncompromising purism. A rollover cage bolted behind the B-pillar, the absence of rear seats, two racing bucket seats with 6-point safety belts, an M steering wheel in alcantara and a fire extinguisher are all standard in the Safety Car.

Suspension, Wheels and Brakes

The suspension technology of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe was specially adapted for the Safety Car. Its high-performance suspension system boasts an adjustable race track set-up that includes a sports-tuned chassis in which the dampers are independently adjustable for bump and rebound. The BMW Safety Car runs on 19-inch mixed tires measuring 255/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear. Vehicle height is variably selectable and the camber of the front and rear axle can be altered to suit the circuit topography. The braking system of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, already designed for extremely high demands, is replaced in the Safety Car with a six-piston fixed-caliper racing brake system.

BMW 1 M Coupe MotoGP Safety Car: Review (2/2)