BMW M's Boss Officially Confirms M Version of 1-Series Coupe, on Sale in 2011

For the past year or so, we've been hearing all sorts of rumors about a possible M-badged variant of the 1-Series. We've also seen many spy videos and photographs of what appeared to be a prototype version of the sports car testing at the Nurburgring circuit. But nothing was official, until now, that is.

In an interview with German webzine "Auto-News", BMW M GmbH's Managing Director Dr. Kay Segler for the first time officially acknowledged the Bavarian automaker's plans to introduce an M-variant of the 1-Series Coupe.

Segler did not give out any specific details on the sports coupe, but he did say that it will not carry the M1 badge as this name is reserved for the original model, adding that the M-prepped 1-Series Coupe will go on sale in relatively small number of copies in the second quarter of 2011.

It remains to be seen what kind of powerplant will motivate the M variant of the 1 coupe, though most bets are on an upgraded version of the 135i's 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six.

*All Photos, including the opening sketch, are of the 2007 BMW 1-Series tii Concept

Source: Auto-news , Via: 1Addicts

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BMW's 135i Coupe / Convertible Superchiped to 360 Horsepower

Electronic tuning specialist Superchips has released a new performance boosting ECU remap for BMW's lively 135i Coupe / Convertible.

The Buckingham-based tuner said that as measured at its in-house four wheel drive chassis dyno', the electronic upgrade boosts the 3.0-litre six cylinder twin turbocharged engine's peak power from a tested standard output of 315 bhp, to 360 bhp, with a maximum power gain of 49 bhp at 5,989 rpm.

According to the company, the ECU remap also enhances the 135i's torque output, which rises from a measured 394 Nm (290.6 lb-ft) to 456 Nm (336.3 lb-ft) at 3,359 rpm, with maximum gain of 70 Nm (51.6 lb-ft) at just 3,267 rpm.

Even though the chiped-out 135i hasn't been clocked, Superchips claims that it is "expected to better the standard car's 5.3 second 0-60 mph sprint time" and that " when driven on a like for like basis with the standard car owners will experience no fuel consumption penalty."

However, since the car has not been tested, we'd advise you to take these claims with a grain of salt.

The ECU remap, which is suitable for both manual and automatic transmission variants of the BMW 135i produced from 2007 onwards, is available both directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, with pricing set at £445 (including VAT 17.5%) or about US$635 / €515 at today's exchange rates.

VIDEO: 2011 BMW M1 with Juiced-Up 3.0-liter Turbo Filmed at the 'Ring?

While BMW officials are keeping a tight lid on the possibility of an "M" or a "tii" version of the 1-Series Coupe, photographers are continuing to churn out spy shots and videos of camouflaged 1-Series Coupe prototypes testing on the road and the track.

This time we have a new video showing what appears to be a modified 1-Series partially wrapped in BMW's characteristic black and white camo, testing at the Nurburgring race track.

According to the grapevine, the M1, 135tii or whatever else BMW decides to name the car, will be powered by a modified version of the firm's twin-turbocharged straight six (and not the newer twin-scroll unit) pumping out somewhere around 350HP. If true, that's 44HP more than the 135i but 70HP less than the M3.

Via: 1Addicts

VIDEO: BMW's Performance 1-Series Coupe with Wide Bodykit Spied on the Track

Here's the latest [short] video of BMW's upcoming performance 1-Series. What it'll be called (M1, 135is, 135tii, or something all-new) is to be determined, but at least it's getting closer to its debut.

Rumors regarding the car have been building up for what seems like ages, but what can be deduced is this: it'll be packing a high-output version of the 135's turbo'd 6, possibly wide-body fenders (which would be very appropriate), and hopefully a bunch of weight savings.

If we could get really racy, I'd like to throw in the idea of GT3-like roll-cages, racing buckets with harnesses, and a rear-seat delete. That would make for one racy little coupe.

By Phil Alex

Via: 1Addicts

BMW Builds One-Millionth 1-Series After Five Years

Five years after the introduction of the 1-Series in 2004, and BMW has announced that it has reached an important milestone in the model's history with the production of the one-millionth 1-Series.

The commemorative model, a three-door 118d, was delivered to its owner on Monday, 12 April, on the occasion of the Leipzig Motor Show.

Still in its first generation, the 1-Series is currently available as a three- and five-door hatchback, a two-door Coupé and a soft-top Convertible with a range of four-pot diesels, and 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder gasoline engines.

The power range extends from 115HP in the entry-level 116d (diesel) all the way to 306HP in the two flagship models, the 135i Coupé and the 135i Convertible.