BMW 1

BMW has unveiled its hottest 1 Series model yet, but the German car maker says no decision has been made to build an M-version even quicker than its 135i Coupe.
Pictures and details of the new 1 Series Coupe have been released ahead of the car's public debut scheduled for September's Frankfurt motor show. The range includes the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine from the 3 Series, which was recently voted International Engine of the Year.
The two-plus-two-seater 1 Series is a natural rival for the Audi TT (V6) and Nissan 350Z, although its styling is more two-door sedan than tailor-made coupe. It will launch in Europe with a range of engines, but BMW Australia is ignoring a 120d and new twin-turbocharged 123d diesels and importing only the range-topping 135i for about March 2008.
The 135i delivers exactly the same outputs as the 335i range, with 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque. According to BMW's performance claims, the 135i will accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
That's not only 0.8sec faster than the current flagship 1 Series, the $63,200,195kW 130i Sport five-door hatch, but also a tenth faster than a Porsche Cayman S.
In-gear performance is also superior. The 135i accelerates in fifth gear from 80-120km/h in six seconds, compared with 5.8sec for the 130i and 6.6sec for the Cayman S. Top speed is 250km/h, and fuel consumption based on the EU standard is 9.2 litres per 100km.
As expected, the Coupe is based on the rear-drive 1 Series hatch but increases in length by 121mm (to 4360mm) in the transition to a two-door with a proper boot. The Coupe sits 13mm lower, and is the same width, as the five-door.
The 1560kg Coupe rides on the same front double-pivot tiebar strut and rear multilink suspension, although the 135i also features electronic management designed to mimic a limited-slip diff for optimising rear traction.
Credit by www.drive.com