BMW is undoubtedly working on hot versions of its front-wheel-drive cars. However, the specs are cause for intense speculation.
Some pretty old info we had about the X2 said it would get an M35i xDrive version with exactly 300 HP. However, British media reports stated that the 1 Series was going to be the first hot FWD-based BMW model and it would be called M130iX M Performance, which is a mouthful.
The reports stated that it would be shown at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, which is surprising considering BMW and all the German luxury brands are going to ditch the event. However, an even more hardcore car has popped up on our radar today.
In its recent YouTube post, Auto Bild magazine says an M145i is going to debut in 2020. Transitioning to the new platform means 3-liter six-cylinder engines are out of the question.
Instead, the 2-liter will deliver 306 HP, not 300, matching the Audi TTS facelift. What is it about that number? Another 20 HP will be delivered for short bursts by a water injection system, similar to what we saw in the M4 GTS.
The difference between the UKL2 which underpins the MINI Countryman/Clubman and the new FAAR platform (Frontantriebsarchitektur) is room for electric batteries.
The one in the M145i will have 35kWh, the same as the pre-facelift e-Golf. An electric motor will provide 60 kW (82 HP) for a total system output that's still below 400 HP.
Why is that important? Well, not only is it the power output of the Audi RS3, but is also expected to be exceeded when the A45 S arrives next year. The AMG model will have an e-motor, electric turbocharger, but not plug-in capabilities.
It all sounds pretty farfetched, but every BMW model will be a hybrid by 2030, so Munich can't resist the plug for much longer.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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