See what the auto journalists saw at the 1M press drives in this video of Matt Russell’s (M Brand Manager, US) presentation on the 1M coupe. See the philosophy, goals, and technical details behind the development of the M group’s hottest new coupe.

BMW UK has launched the first commercial for 1-series M coupe, which recently went on sale in England. The commercial features a valencia orange 1M coupe on some empty twisties in the countryside poised to swallow up some tarmac, followed by some serious driving. It’s rare to see tire smoke, much less drifting, in a BMW commercial, so the 1M is clearly being advertised by BMW as a model for serious driving enthusiasts.

Axis of Oversteer was in attendance at the Monticello race track in NJ for the first BMW 1M press test drives. Here is some fun drifting and hoonage in the 1M coupe.

Autoblog’s review of the 1M coupe is in and this is the message they have for everyone — “Enthusiasts, BMW has your car.”

The following sums up their experience in a few sentences: In similar manner, what makes the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe so special isn’t found in charts, numbers or statistics. Instead, its appeal is discovered once you settle into the supportive bucket seats behind the thick steering wheel. Its allure is captured in the masterful combination of a torque-laden engine mated to a lightweight rear-wheel-drive platform controlled with a traditional manual transmission – the little coupe with the big flares is old school retro-cool and deliciously fun to drive. The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe doesn’t target boy-racers, it targets enthusiasts.

Jalopnik prints their 1M first drive review, echoing what many auto publications have said before them – that the 1M is most surely an M car. Driver Mike Spinelli was impressed with the car’s great limits, handling, and stance. Perhaps the best compliments paid were the constant comparisons and references to big brother M3.

First video of a top speed run in a BMW 1M coupe result in a reading of 264km/h (164mph)! The video shows just how strong the 1M pulls in all ranges, even above 100mph. The car has also been tuned by BMW to sound great from the cockpit, with a great mixture of engine, air induction, and exhaust noise. Check out the run inside.

1Addicts member and future track instructor Dan Parker has taken delivery of his beautiful white 1M coupe. He provides his initial review of the 1M, as well as some great insight into how it compares to the E46 M3 and the Z4 M Coupe. Read the full review and see photos/video inside.

EmmDrei provides some updated and clearer photos of his black 1M coupe modified with BMW performance parts. Full gallery inside.

Here’s the first great look at an alpine white 1M coupe next to a mineral white M3 coupe. Both are beautiful in their own way, with the 1M coupe taking on a boxier, more overtly aggressive look, while the M3′s lines and bulges are sleeker and more discrete. One thing we’re sure of – the owners of each love their car!