Here is the first set of comparison photos of the 1M coupe versus the E46 M3. Many feel that the 1M’s squat stance with aggressively flared fenders harks back to the similarly aggressive stance and shape of the E46 M3. We tend to agree. Judge for yourself in these photos.

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.

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!

The results are in from BMW Motorrad’s feature showdown pitting Nico Bastian in the BMW M3 and Rico Penzkofer on the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike, on a track to see which/who is faster. The two are placed on a track to see whether car or bike catches the other first. Results inside…

Hopefully right now, most of you are asking yourselves, “What is the Brilliance A3?” This is a good thing.

Just to fill in the gaps, Brilliance is one of the larger Chinese automanufacturers. Brilliance produces a panoply of its own branded vehicles but is also partnered with BMW on a few projects. For one, Brilliance is in a long term agreement with BMW to produce high volume 3 and 5-series sedans for the Chinese local market using Brilliance production facilites. In addition to producing standard series 3 and 5 series sedans, they are also in bed with BMW on more future looking projects such as a 5-Series plug-in electric hybrid vehicle.

This is the stuff that solid long term relationships are built on. Or so one would … CONTINUED

With the release of the Fiat 500C to the US market this past weekend at the New York International Autoshow, it seems FIAT wants to enter into MINIs marketshare in the USA.

As you may or may not know, FIAT is starting its push into the US, bringing its highly acclaimed 500 to the states first, through select Chrysler group dealerships. Although the 500 is new to the USA, its not new in other parts of the world, the car debuted in 2007.

The Fiat 500 is a small car with retrocar styling harking back to the glory days of the brand, similar to the MINI. The major difference being that it is an Italian car with its own Italian style, and the car is significantly less expensive. … CONTINUED

Autobild has just published a comparison test between the 1M and the Porsche Cayman R. We’re happy to share that the 1M won this comparison (besting the Cayman R by 1 point). The 1M coupe performs only slightly worse than the Cayman R, yet it offers better overall comfort and low-end power. All this for roughly EUR 25k less! More inside…

BMW Motorrad has posted a teaser clip of an upcoming showdown feature pitting Nico Bastian in the BMW M3 and Rico Penzkofer on the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike, on a track to see which/who is faster. The feature video and results will be posted on May 2nd and we can’t wait to see which of BMWs current best-of-crop track carvers will come out on top.

Here it is, C&D’s shootout of the 1M, TT-RS, G37 IPL, in their video review. Watch live footage and commentary as the BMW 1M Coupe takes the victory.