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

Have a look at a Frozen Silver F10 M5 fitted with BMW M Performance Parts, in black and carbon fiber. The parts provide a nice contrast against the beautiful matte silver exterior and gives the M5 an even sportier character by de-chroming.

The carbon fiber trunk spoiler (which the owner replaced the factory spoiler lip with), the sideskirts (which replaces the flared factory M5 sideskirts) and kidney grilles are all from the new M Performance Parts lineup. This M5 has also been fitted with gloss black gill trim and the exhaust tips have been blacked out.

Is an M Performance Z4 model coming? Yes, if BMW insider Scott26’s response to our M related interview at the 2012 NYIAS actually comes to fruition.

This is what he had to say on the matter: “The forthcoming Z4 Life Cycle Impulse will see the Z4 35iS absorbed into the BMW M Performance Automobiles line.”

North America will not be getting diesel M Performance models with the current generation of cars, so this rumored Z4 M35i model (or “Z4 sDriveM35i”) could possibly join the rumored X1 M35i xDrive as the first M Performance Automobiles to be available for the North American market. Both would feature the same 320hp version of the N55 3.0-liter inline 6 from the upcoming F20 M135i.

When is the Z4 LCI refresh due you may … CONTINUED

BMW NA’s Juergen Urban, Product Manager for the 1 Series and X1, and Oliver Ganser, Product Manager for the 3 Series were gracious enough to sit down with us at the 2012 NYIAS to field some questions on their respective products specialties. Here’s what we can report back with.

2013 BMW X1 (US)

What are the MPG figures for the three X1 models?
Because it’s model year 2013 we don’t have the official MPG values yet, but you can expect them to be top of the line, especially with the 28i.

What are the curb weight of the three models?
The sDrive28i is 3,500 pounds, xDrive28i is 3,700 pounds and xDrive35i is 3,900 pounds.

Are there any suspension differences between the 28i and 35i model?
No differences. The only suspension … CONTINUED

We had the chance to speak to BMW NA M Brand Manager Matt Russell and BMW M Marketing Director Thomas Schemera at the 2012 NYIAS about many things M. We covered some hot topics/models, including the M5, M6, M3 (current and future generation) and M Performance Automobiles.

M5 / M6
Can you tell us about the changes to the 2013 M5 from the 2012 M5? Why the wait for the 2013 model year for the US market?

It’s nothing major. It’s small things; it’s electronics underneath, little computer things. It’s definitely not customer-facing changes and not a great deal of functionality change.

How does the manual transmission affect the M5’s performance?

About 0.10 second 0-60mph difference (slower than DCT). We don’t have official EPA MPG estimates yet, but it’s not much. … CONTINUED

At the Malaysian launch of the new F30 3 Series, BMW showcased a 328i partially adorned in some M Performance Parts.

As we can see, not all F30 M Performance Parts are featured here, with the exterior aero kit parts missing (M Sport bumpers, carbon fiber front splitters, carbon fiber mirrors, sideskirts, trunk spoiler, and rear diffuser).

Featured however are the the M Performance gloss black grilles, M Performance racing stripes, 20″ Style 405M M Performance wheels, M Performance brakes in orange (4 piston front, 2 piston rear, and which also come in yellow and red) with 370mm brake discs.

The interior features the full array of M Performance Parts for the F30, with ‘rough’ carbon fiber finish trim on the center console, door handles, and wrapped shift knob, … CONTINUED

We’ve now added a spy video of the M135i seen in live action for the first time, as well as an F21 135i 3-door hatchback.

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.

Check out this lovely Estoril Blue F20 1 Series M Sport fitted with M Performance rear bumper diffuser and trunk/hatch spoiler.