The vehicle rides closer to the road, uses a new front bumper & side skirts and features large rims with low profile tires.
The likely bit of the story is the fact that the high spec 1 Series will enter production. The unlikely part is that it will be badged as an “M1”. This is because the M1 designation is reserved for beefier BMW beasts, as it was the name of a racing-derived vehicle produced in collaboration with Lamborghini in the late 70s and using it for the 1 Series would be a sacrilege.
However, the car could be marketed as the 135is, if the 1 Series range will use a line-up scheme similar to that of the 3 Series range, which offers a 335i and a 335is model. If this were to happen, the car would receive a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline six cylinder powerplant producing 326hp and 332 lb-ft of torque (450 Nm). The figures would only represent modest increases (6.6 percent and 12.5 percent, respectively) over the 135i’s power and torque levels. The unit should be offered with a choice of two transmissions: a six speed manual and a seven speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.
The “s”, should also bring upgraded braking and suspension systems, just like it does for the 3 Series.
However, we can’t rule out the possibility of an M version for the 1 Series. Last time we did that, we received the X5/X6M nonidentical twins. Actually, this would be the version of choice, if you ask us. So, let’s pray for a 1M!
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