BMW presented a pair of new M's - the Coupe and Roadster

The 2001 BMW M coupe and M roadster made their world debut at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. BMW further announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices of $45,635 for the M coupe and $46,635 for the M roadster. The 2001 M3coupe, announced earlier this year will be priced at $46,045.

These two cars had previously won praise for their combination of unique style and lightening quick responsiveness. Of particular note was their 240 horsepower, in-line six cylinder engine, courtesy of BMW M. For 2001 that much loved engine gives way to an all-new 3.2 liter in-line six, first seen in the M3 coupe. In the M coupe and M roadster, horsepower goes from 240 to an even more thrilling 315. There’s also asignificant increase in torque, from 236 lb-ft. to a new peak of 251 lb.ft.

Both models come with a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission. Yet with these roadster’s and coupe’s lower curb weight, they are expected to attain performance fully comparable to that of the M3.

Along with the new engine and the chassis enhancements come a variety of evolutionary improvements to both M models. One such feature is the Tire Pressure Monitoring system, which informs the driver of any falloff in tire pressure via an indicator in the instrument cluster. With this addition to the M roadster and coupe, the system is now standard on all M Cars.

Visually, the classic designs are little changed. Inside, new gray dials with backlighted numerals freshen the instrument cluster’s appearance.

See the M’s at Bob Smith BMW in Canoga Park.