BMW's network will get a £40k super-coupe in their showrooms from May 2011 - the 1 Series M Coupe. BMW 1 series M coupe front

It'll be capable of 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed restricted to 155mph.

It features a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six engine producing 340bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox.

BMW's EfficientDynamics technology is used to provide claimed figures of 29.4mpg economy and 224g/km CO2 emissions.

A spokesman said: "The new BMW 1 Series M Coupé heralds the introduction of a high performance sports car into a compact design that extends the BMW M portfolio and paves the way for a wider audience to appreciate M car ownership."