BMW 1-Series M Coupe to be used as MotoGP Safety Car

The 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car is a one-off example that is built by BMW’s M Division specifically for the MotoGP racing championship. BMW says that only the 340bhp twin-turbocharged straight-six engine and the drivetrain are the same as the standard 1-Series M Coupe road car, which will go on sale in April.
The 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car is lighter than the production car, thanks to a series of weight saving measures such as the carbon fibre-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, polycarbonate side and rear windows and the removal of the rear seat bench. BMW M also developed a bespoke lightweight titanium race exhaust system that not only saves weight but also promises to delivers a much more exciting sound.

Additional details that differentiate the1-Series M Coupe Safety Car from its production car brethren include an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the front apron, an adjustable rear wing that provides added downforce, white LED flashlights incorporated in the front grille, and blacked out 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car features a safety rollover cage bolted behind the B-pillar that has taken the place of the rear seats, an M steering wheel in Alcantara, two racing bucket seats with 6-point safety belts, and a fire extinguisher.

BMW also said that the suspension of the car has been revamped, and now has an adjustable race track set-up that includes a sports-tuned chassis in which the dampers are independently adjustable for bump and rebound. Additionally, the brakes have been enhanced, with a six-piston fixed-calliper racing brake system replacing the standard brakes of the production car.

Aside from the 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car, BMW will also provide a whole host of other vehicles for the MotoGP racing series. These include two reserve Safety Cars, which are an X6 M and an M3, a 535i Touring Medical Car, an X5 M for the Safety Officer, and an X6 ActiveHybrid for the stewards’ use, as well as two Safety Bikes, which are the BMW S 1000 RR and a HP2 Sport.

Photo gallery after the jump.