With the new 5 Series set for 2010, the new 1 Series in 2011 and a 3 Series replacement in 2012, the company in trying to get back on track. With a bang and a risky design, as bmwblog.com calls it.
The BMW 135i Supersport might as well be even more extravagant than everything Chris Bangle designed for the company. The unique lines of the car will feature round headlights, reminiscent of the 2002 series, with front end elements imported from Rolls Royce models.
The use of lightweight materials and glass, as well as the use of upgraded suspensions and brakes will make the 135i Supersport a performance addition to the 1 Series range.
The Supersport will be positioned between the 135iS and the future M3 and carmagazine.co.uk says it will be powered by a high-rev twin turbo four cylinder engine. The direct injection 2.0l of the above powerplant will develop some 300 horsepower and will be controlled via a dual clutch transmission.
BMW is looking into developing at least five versions of the future 1 Series. The line up will comprise of a 5 door hatchback, a three door hatchback, a 2 door coupe, a 2 door convertible and even a small crossover (a 5 door mix of a wagon, a sedan and a hatchback).
As for engine types, BMW is preparing both diesel and petrol for the next 1 Series. The diesel ones, according to carmagazine.co.uk, will all be 2.0l, with outputs ranging from 150 to 211 horsepower.
As for petrol, 2011 BMW 1 Series will use three 1.3l engines (for the 115i, 116i and 118i versions), a 2.0l engine for the 120i and two 3.0l engines for the 130i and 135iS. Power output will range from 105 to 326 horsepower.
The next 1 Series will also use the phase two Efficient Dynamics. The system is said to include an integrated starter generator, a pre-heating circuit for the engine, start-stop for the automatic transmissions, a lithium-ion storage cell and a smaller starter battery.
Google News