The New Prior Design PDM1 BMW With COR Wheels and 425 HP

The BMW 1 Series is a very popular model for not just BMW enthusiasts but automotive enthusiasts around the world for its superb handling and performance capabilities - especially the 135i model. While BMW does offer a more powerful 1 Series M Coupe that is said to be the real successor to the legendary E30 M3 from the late-1980s/early 1990s, the standard models offer quite a bit of performance without the incredible price tag of the M model. Prior Design has created a new PDM1 program for BMW 1 Series owners that want that exclusivity of the 1 M Coupe but with even greater performance. The new upgrade kit focuses mainly on the exterior with new aerodynamic body work and COR Wheels, but also improves the driving experience with a more powerful engine upgrade kit.

The entire exterior of the Prior Design PDM1 BMW 1 Series model is drastically different. It's more aggressive, powerful, and muscular, while also achieving better aerodynamic properties. The kit features a new front bumper with enlarged air intake openings to cool the engine and brakes, a new splitter for increased downforce, and a new aerofoil helps to redirect air away from each of the front COR Wheels. A new side skirt set helps to calm airflow around the rear axle while a new lightweight hood with air vents and power bulge allows for better cooling of the engine. The rear sports a new trunk-mounted spoiler that generates downforce, a new bumper with more aggressive styling, and a diffuser with integrated exhaust outlets.

The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine was also given a healthy dose of power thanks to the Prior Design engine modifications. The 3.0-liter inline-six was fitted with a new air intake system, a stainless steel sport exhaust with valve flaps and sport catalytic converters for optimum backpressure, and a new software tune that alters a great deal of ignition, timing, and more variables within the engine. The result is an increase in boost pressure and a total of 425 horsepower being sent to each of the rear COR Wheels for quicker acceleration and a higher top speed.

After creating a visually dynamic and aerodynamic PDM1 body kit, and improving the engine's performance, the team at Prior Design focused on modifying the chassis to complete the package aesthetically. The entire suspension was modified with a new coilover kit from KW Suspension that lowers the front and rear axles by 20 mm. The brakes were also modified with new performance pads and stainless steel brake lines. The final touch was a set of new COR Wheels in a 8.5 x 19 front and 10.5 x 19 rear setup with Continental Sport tires for greater amounts of traction.

All of the upgrades in the Prior Design PDM1 program are available for the BMW 1 Series models (except BMW 1 M Coupes).

Douglas Cougevan is a contributing writer at COR Wheels. COR Wheels specializes in 3 piece wheels and monoblock rims in a variety of both traditional step lip, reverse, and concave designs.