Hot new BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW is undertaking the final tests of a pint-sized addition to its sporty M division a 1 Series M Coupe.

BMW has released images of a disguised prototype car, but our computer-generated picture strips away the camouflage and shows next summer's arrival in all its glory.

Its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is likely to produce around 350bhp which, in a car that weighs 1500kg, could mean a 0-62mph time of less than five seconds.

The 1 Series M Coupe will use the rear axle and differential from the current M3, although it is likely to be a much simpler car with few of the adaptive suspension options of its bigger brother.

A six-speed manual gearbox will be the only transmission.

The 1 Series M Coupe is likely to cost from around 40,000.