In the same vein as the BMW 128i Convertible showcased at the Detroit Autoshow, here is the 135i which comes with the M-Sport as standard kit. The updated LCI headlights and tailights look just as fresh against the Alpine White as they did on the Vermillion Red of the Convertible counterpart.

Because of the M-Sport kit (which is unchanged from the pre-LCI models), the Air Curtain technology featured on the 128i and 1M could not be incorporated into the 135i. However, the idea of air curtain does seem interesting, and I would expect to see it incorporated into the next generation 1-Series, the F20.

Other then these subtle changes, no significant changes are noted in these cars.

Look out for pricing details later today!

Here it is, the all new BMW 1M, in Vallencia Orange and the first in the flesh photos. The official press conference hasn’t yet taken place, but the covers on this car were drawn back and everyone was allowed to take photos of the car.

The first words I can use to describe this car are: Its amazing

In fact, almost everyone who is walking by the stand right has to stop, take a turn and look at the car. In a car show filled with some truly exotic machinery, that says alot.

Going a little deeper, its obvious the first thing anyone notices is the paintwork. The Vallencia Orange is a color that cannot be properly captured in pictures. In photos it always seemed like a dull version … CONTINUED

Here is the all new facelift’d BMW 128i Convertible. This is a so-called LCI car aka Life Cycle Impulse aka facelift. The new car has been brushed in a stunning Vermillion Red and prominently feature the updated headlight clusters and tailights.

The new headlights have a sharp “eyebrow” with a lighted LED component embedded within them. The overall shape of the cluster is unchanged, but the addition of the eyebrows brings the 1-Series styling inline with the current generation of BMWs, most of which have been released within the last 3 years. Surprisingly, the new eyebrows do make a noticeable difference and give the car a decidedly aggressive attitude.

The truly sharp eyed among you may have immediatly noticed one difference between this car and the car shown … CONTINUED

Welcome to the first autoshow of 2011, in Motor City, Detroit USA. Detroit is going to be the site of the first public showing, the world premiere, of the new BMW 1M. The BMW Press conference will be held at 11:55 and we’ll be providing coverage of the show and the official press conference. We’re hoping to catch as many photos and videos of the event as possible, so keep your eyes peeled today!

Heres a quick run down of what to expect today:

World Premiere: BMW 1M
Detroit stands to be the World Premier site for the BMW 1M. We expect BMW to make this the center focus of their press conference, and since this even takes place in the USA, we are hoping to see Pricing details … CONTINUED

Here is an easier to read full standard equipment list and options packages for the US spec 1M coupe. Look for US pricing to be released this weekend or early next week during the 1M coupe’s official world premiere at the Detroit NAIAS!

The folks at Autogespot were lucky enough to have some exclusive time recently with the M3 GTS at BMW facilities in the Netherlands and they have shared these great photos of the highest performing factory M3 currently.

The road legal M3 GTS features a larger and more powerful 4.36L V8 with 331 kW/450 bhp engine, mated to a 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and modified suspension technology. These figures launch the M3 GTS from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds. Part of this is due to the improved power-to-weight ratio of 3.4 kg per hp. Aerodynamic/safety improvements include large rear spoiler deck, carbon fiber splitter, roll cage, matte black exterior styling components such as the BMW kidney grille, roof trims as well as the side gill elements … CONTINUED

Autocar Magazine in the UK is speculating that the rumored 3-cylinder engine that BMW has been working on for some time now, will be seen under the hood of the F30 3-Series. This should come as no surprise, as the 3-Series is the bread and butter volume car in the BMW brand, and such an efficient engine would go a long way into promoting BMW as THE brand for sustainability.

The engine itself is rumored to be a 1.5L 3-Cylinder diesel engine putting out 150HP and produce less than 100g/km of CO2. Its already been rumored that this engine setup, which will come in both diesel and regular gasoline formats will drive the smaller cars in the BMW lineup such as … CONTINUED

DRIVING FROM THE FRONT. Why a new philosophy for BMW will keep the company at the forefront of the Premium market.

Beginning in 2011 we will see the first results of this strategy within the new BMW 1er Sporthatch and BMW 3er Sedan which will be unveiled just before the end of 2011.
Another new exciting additions for the M-Division include the exciting new 1 series M Coupe and the sixth generation BMW M5.

The Premium market will welcome a new luxury set of BMW 6er Coupe and Convertible. Whilst the first evidence of the Gran coupe will be seen on the streets of Munich.
The new BMW X3 begins it’s first year on the market with additional engines in europe along with a new four cylinder … CONTINUED

Here are some great updated photos of the special M3 Frozen Edition for the South African market, which features a power increase over the standard M3, matte black paintwork matched to red brake callipers, black leather with red stitching, and gloss black 19″ alloy wheels.