BMW today announced an enhanced performance version of the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible called the BMW 135is. The 2013 135is Coupe and Convertible focus the qualities that made the 135i such a success amongst driving enthusiasts – with more performance, enhanced sound and dynamic design details. Both the new 135is Coupe and Convertible are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall with retail pricing set at $44,145 and $48,845 respectively (including $895 destination and handling).
Both models are equipped with BMW’s award winning TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine (N55) featuring Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. For the 135is, the engine has been tuned to increase peak horsepower to 320 hp (+20 hp increase) and 317 lb-ft of torque … CONTINUED
Here’s an interview, via M-Power.com with the BMW M135i’s Project Manager, Christof Lischka. For full details and official information on the M135i, see our M135i Model Guide.
The BMW M135i is the first petrol engine model to be presented in the new category BMW M Performance Automobiles. What are the car’s technical highlights?
Christof Lischka: The BMW M135i is the first petrol engine model of the BMW M Performance Automobiles as well as being the first representative of the 1 Series family. For this reason, it was important for us to give the BMW M135i the specific characteristics typical of all BMW M Performance Automobiles - specially matched to the 1 Series of course.
The target character of the BMW M Performance Automobiles is defined by … CONTINUED
BMW has just dropped the all new M135i, based on the new F21 chassis, that is to say a 3-door variant of the 1-Series BMW. The car falls into BMW’s new BMW M Performance BMW cars that offers performance and a namesake somewhere between a true M car and a series BMW. We have all the information, wallpapers and videos online, just click through to find out more.
BMW Welt 3.0, the third annual BMW Welt meet for BMW enthusiasts in Germany was held this past weekend with nearly 150 cars and 200 people attending the event held at BMW HQ in Munich. The event was dominated by the E8x 1 series, although there were also some E9x 3 series in attendance. The meet has grown year after year.
Check out some nice photos and rides inside.
The 2012 Eurofest took place this past weekend at the The New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey (where the Jets and Giants call home). Cars of all European makes and models were in attendance, but the scene appeared to be dominated by BMWs.
Check out the photo coverage inside, featuring hundreds of photos from the event.
LOCOG & BMW GROUP UNVEIL LONDON 2012 FLEET
26.04.2012
London, 26 April 2012: LOCOG and BMW, Official Automotive Partner to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, today revealed full details of the London 2012 fleet. Set to play an essential role in delivering a successful Games, LOCOG’s deployment plans for the low-emission, diesel, hybrid and electric cars, motorcycles and bicycles were unveiled for the first time.
Whether it be pulling boats out of the water at Weymouth, providing a mobile camera platform for the marathon, towing a horse ambulance across Greenwich Park or carrying medal winners around the Olympic Park to media interviews, the BMW and MINI fleet will perform an extremely wide range of duties during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Naturally making sure the right people are … CONTINUED
Powered by a 320hp version of the N55 3.0-litre inline 6, the M135i will be the fastest 1-series currently available. As BMW puts it, “moreover, the characteristic handling precision of BMW M Performance automobiles is obtained through model-specific suspension technology that includes an M sports braking system and is perfectly adapted to match the supreme road performance. 18-inch M light alloys with a double spoke design additionally complement the car’s sporting character.” So we expect the M135i’s performance to come quite close to the already-legendary 1-series M Coupe.
The M135i has been confirmed to be coming with optional manual transmission and AWD xDrive. The coupe version of the M135i (which may be called the M235i as the F22 coupe may take on the 2-series badge) has been … CONTINUED
Some interesting info comes out of a recent interview by Jens Meiners of Car and Driver with the BMW M President, Dr. Friedrich Nitschke.
M135i
In the interview, when asked about the M135i concept, Dr. Nitschke confirms that the production version will be virtually identical to the concept and powered by the N55 engine. It will also come with both manual and automatic transmission options, as well as an optional xDrive AWD. The manual and AWD options would have been popular with the North American market, but unfortunately Dr. Nitschke once again confirms that the F20 hatchback will not be making it to the U.S. (But, Dr. Nitschke has confirmed that a M135i coupe [or M235i coupe as it may be called] will be available in … CONTINUED
Check out this 1addicts member’s nice Hartge equipped F20 M Sport.
It’s a Black Saphire Metallic 116d with M-sport package, with HARTGE sports spring set, Hartge Ultimate 19″ summer wheels, HARTGE dual round tail pipe and HARTGE velour floor mats.
