Automotive News has also published a report supporting the claim that BMW has plans to launch a 1 Series [2 Series] sedan. They claim that BMW will bring the RWD small sedan in 2015 to rival the future Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA sedans, both expected as early as next year.

According to them, company sources say the growing dimensions of the 3-series sedan led to the decision to build this sedan.

Ever since the introduction of the first M Performance cars (the new BMW model lineup slotting between the M models and regular series cars) earlier this year, we’ve been hearing and BMW has been hinting at such cars for the North American market.

Now that the first petrol model, the M135i (official info | reviews), has debuted, Autoweek reports that the M235i coupe will be the first M Performance model to arrive in the U.S. and Canada. The report states that the M235i coupe will start sales in the States in early 2014, after a debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. We think this may be too early of an estimate however, unless the M235i will be launched together with the F22 2 series coupe (which … CONTINUED

The press drives of the BMW M135i are underway and with that come the first reviews, and they are very positive. See inside for more.

We have posted the newest photo gallery and videos for the M135i and 1 Series 3-door hatchback (F21). Please see inside at our official M135i / F21 thread.

We previously reported on a possible four-door 2 series sedan / gran coupe. Autocar has now joined the rumormill on such a potential 4 door model.

The report claims that BMW has plans for or is discussing a RWD sedan based off the current 1 Series platform that will target the US and China markets in particular. Autocar calls it a 1 Series, but in all likelihood it would be called a 2 Series. If you remember, only the hatchbacks and upcoming FWD models are likely to retain their 1 series badging [see likely future 1/2 series model map].

As the 3 Series has grown over the years, BMW may need such a model to take on the likes of the upcoming Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes CLA … CONTINUED

‘Insider’ Scott26 provides some rumors and ruminations on the plans and design for the upcoming BMW 2 Series coupe, convertible, and even a potential sedan.

Details are provided as to how the design of the 2 series will be similar and different than the F20 1 series hatchback on which it will be based. But the biggest info here is that BMW is currently considering a four-door 2 Series sedan-coupe to battle the upcoming Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes CLA. The BMW 2 Series sedan may take the form of a compact “Gran Coupe” which we’ve already seen the 6 series variant of and which is also expected as a 3/4-series. Read the full details/rumors inside.

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

From the same Dutch BMW dealer presentation which yielded the 381hp tri-turbo diesel M550d rumor, comes the report that a “M135i” F20 1 series hatchback is coming next summer. Those in attendance were reportedly told about a M135i featuring 320hp and powered by the N55 inline 6 engine.

As with any rumor, it’s always just speculation until officially published by BMW. But, there may be merit to this rumor. We spotted what appears to be an M Sport 135i F20 some months ago (seen HERE), so we wouldn’t be surprised if BMW actually went with the “M135i” moniker for that car if they in fact also went with the “M550d” rumor for the upcoming tri-turbo diesel F10.

Also, at the F30 press drives last week, BMW told us … CONTINUED