The concept of power and torque-to-weight may be alien to some, but enthusiasts know them as the keys to a wonderful time behind the wheel. Assuming, for example, there are two cars with the same torque outputs. The heavier one will have a lower torque-to-weight ratio and, in most cases, the lighter car will be faster.
The BMW 135i Coupe is a great teaching aid when demonstrating this concept. In its stock guise, it puts out 306bhp and 400Nm of torque.
While the E92 M3 Coupe makes more horses – 114bhp more to be exact, which is substantial – its normally aspirated 4-litre V8 can muster up “only” the same amount of torque as the 135i’s turbocharged 3-litre inline-6.
The E92 M3 weighs in at 1605kg – a decent fighting weight for a V8-laden performance coupe. However, the 135i Coupe with an automatic gearbox tips the scales at a sprightlier 1485kg.
Official performance tests show that while the M3 is quicker to 100km/h (4.8 seconds versus 5.3), the 135i trumps it in the all-important 80km/h to 112km/h timing – 5.9 seconds versus 6.1. This means that out on the open roads, you would be hard-pressed to separate these uber-coupes.
Now, take the handsome, black 135i on these pages. It weighs less, as it is equipped with a manual 6-speed gearbox. And its turbocharged engine has received a few choice upgrades, which are effective enough for its shiny BBS RS-GT forged alloy wheels to spin the dyno to 360bhp and 480Nm at the crank. This is enough to give it a significant torque-to-weight advantage over the M3.
And the way it blasts off from 80km/h while in third gear is quite amazing; I was thrown back into the seat and had to strain to keep my head forward.
The makeover is headlined by an Active Autowerke piggyback DME ECU, which increases boost and fuelling as well as alters other engine parameters. On the hardware side, the Ultimate Racing downpipes, Racing Dynamics intercooler and GruppeM air induction system take care of breathing and forced-induction efficiency, while the Arqray quad exhausts sound out loud and clear with its bass-laden overtones.
A combination of Hartge aero parts such as the side skirts, rear boot-lid spoiler and roof spoiler, and the 3D Design carbon fibre bumper diffusers not only serve to break up the love-it or loathe-it silhouette, they also play two important tasks: ensuring stability during high-speed cruising, and enhancing engine and brake cooling.
Speaking of brakes, the car came with BMW Performance brakes as standard, which comprises huge six-piston callipers up front that clamp down on cross-drilled and slotted disc rotors. These stoppers work like a treat, biting hard and strong time and time again.
Coupled with the Cross coilovers, with pillow mounts for camber adjustments, the set-up makes this 135i the perfect tool for full-bore highway blasts and frequent visits to the track for serious lapping fun.
Remember, a shot of chilli padi beats the bottled stuff any day.
+ ENGINE/ELECTRONICS
Active Autowerke piggyback ECU for DME
Ultimate Racing turbo downpipes
Arqray quad exhaust system
and cross pipe
Racing Dynamics hi-flow intercooler
GruppeM air induction system
Forged diverter valves system
+ EXTERIOR
Hartge side skirts
Hartge rear bootlid spoiler
Hartge roof spoiler
3D Design carbon fibre bumper diffusers (front and rear)
+ INTERIOR
Hartge pedal set
+ WHEELS/TYRES
BBS RS-GT 19-inch forged
alloy wheels
Toyo Proxes T1R 19-inch tyres – 225/35 (front), 255/30 (rear)
+ SUSPENSION/HANDLING
Cross coilovers
