A V10 engine transplant into a small hatchback is a monumental challenge, but the folks over at Smith Performance decided to try the impossible. Using the E87 1 Series hatch as the base platform, the tuning shop takes BMW’s legendary 5.0 liter V10 engine – along with the SMG gearbox – and gives the small hatch 507 horsepower and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft), and unmatched engine sound for a car in this segment.
The discretely marked BMW 150 uses also aero parts from the BMW 1 Series M Coupe – starting with the aggressive front and rear bumper, and flared fenders.
As with previous V10 transplants, the SMG transmission was imported over into the new car and notorious-brutal gear changes are likely a much better fit in the eyes of many customers.
The suspension technology comes also from the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and to a large extent from the E92 M3 generation. The braking system has been -naturally – adapted to the new power source. The extremely front-heavy weight distribution has shifted the perfect BMW balance : 52 percent of the weight rests on the front axle.
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