OFFICIAL RELEASE: BMW 1-series Hatchback (F20). Here is all the just-released official information and media for the F20 1-series hatchback. Full gallery and press release INSIDE.

Now that the first photos of the F20 1-series have hit the web, we’ve put together a photo comparison of the F20 1-series hatchback versus its closest German rivals - the Audi A3 hatchback and VW Golf.

We’ve updated the BMW F20 1-series gallery with nearly 50 photos. We’ll have the full tech details posted for you this weekend, but enjoy the preliminary info and full set of pics in the meantime!

Here they are, the very first photos of the F20 BMW 1-series! The full press release is expected this weekend, so stay tuned!

Seen here are “Sport Line” and “Urban Line” models. Compared to the outgoing 1-series hatchback, the F20 has grown by 8.5 centimeters to 4.32 meters in length. Wheelbase grows by 1 inch. It retains its 50:50 weight distribution.

Base engine in the BMW 116i with a newly developed 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine that makes 100 kW/136 hp. For the same displacement, the 118i gets 125 kW/170 hp. A stronger four-cylinder engine (N20) with 250 hp will follow.

As for diesel, a two liter diesel engine will be available with three power levels of 85 kW/116 hp, 105 kW/143 hp and 135 kW/184 hp. The fuel consumption … CONTINUED

This is a continuation of our earlier post covering the current BMW Individual cars on display at the factory-owned BMW dealership in Munich, by Dackelone. Three M3 Individual models are currently on display. The first one below is a Mineral White E92 M3 Coupe with plenty of M Performance Parts, including tri-color M stripes (EUR 498), black ZCP wheels (EUR 4,350), carbon fiber front lip spoiler, carbon fiber rear spoiler and carbon fiber mirror caps. Equally impressive is the Frozen Silver E92 M3 Coupe and the Macadamia Metallic E90 M3 with Champagne Individual interior. We’ve again included each car’s spec sheets, along with some bonus photos of a 1-series M Coupe in Valencia Orange. Enjoy!

Big Thanks to Dackelone and Elsabor67 for the photos! … CONTINUED

Its now literally a matter of days before the new 1-Series is revealed to the world. And the patent image masters at the jokeforblog have gotten their hands on the images of the upcoming 1er, including the crucial images of the front bumper, which looks to be the most dramatically changed styling element.

The 1er looks to now have a more wedge shaped headlamp design element which is a cross between the 5-Series GT and an E92 3-Series, with a design line that passes from the top of the headlight cutout to the top of the kidney grills, just as on the 5-Series GT. A line that will give the car a very mean and aggressive looking face.

Thankfully, the kidney grills look like they will retain … CONTINUED

Hartge has begun its tuning program for the new 6-series. Thus far, the Hartge 6-series is equipped with a stainless steel sport exhaust system, 19″ or 20″ Hartge wheels, and lower springs which lower the car by 30mm front and 25mm rear.

No info on yet what cosmetic aero parts will be forthcoming.

The interiors of Hartge car can be equipped with Hartge mats, steering wheel, and aluminum pedal set.

Autobild recently conducted another track comparison review involving the BMW 1-series M Coupe. Stepping into the ring this time were the Audi RS 3 and the Ford Focus RS 500. The results? The BMW 1M wins, with the Audi finishing second and the Ford last. As seen in the test data below, the Audi with its AWD Quattro is the quickest in a straight line. The Audi also offers the most compliant ride according to Autobild. However, once the cars hit the track, the tide quickly turned. The 1M was already roughly 4 tenths faster than the RS 3 after the first lap. The gap opened further in subsequent laps due to the Audi’s front weight, AWD bias, and tire/brake fade. The Ford Focus RS … CONTINUED

An M3POST member’s world’s-first Atacama Yellow M3 sedan has arrived. Atacama yellow is currently only available on the Z4 and must be ordered as a BMW Individual color for any other models, including this E90 M3. A full photo shoot will be coming in the next days so stay tuned for even better photos of this most uniquely colored M3.