The recently announced BMW F21 M135i 3-door hatchback has just made its world public debut at the AMI 2012 show today. Here are the vitals on this newest model to the BMW M Performance Automobiles lineup. The F21 M135i will unfortunately not make it to North America.

First ever BMW M Performance automobile to feature a petrol engine
BMW M135i with N55 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine and 235 kW/320 hp
450Nm between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm
0-100kph in 5.1 seconds (4.9 with automatic)
M-characteristic suspension components and aerodynamically optimised body features
Highest level of performance and the most outstanding efficiency within the competitive … 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

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.

At the Geneva Motor Show three weeks ago, BMW gave a first preview of the upcoming M135i in Concept form. Today, we’re happy to share the first clear spyshots of the M135i production version currently being tested on the Nürburgring. Dual tailpipes and the trademark M Performance wheels give this model away. The M135i will be the next model introduced to the new line of M Performance Automobiles, which already includes the M550d and X5/X6 M50d models.

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 … CONTINUED

BMW presents the concept study of a BMW M Performance automobile featuring a six-cylinder petrol engine – consistent further development of the new BMW 1 Series’ dynamic characteristics – world premiere at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show.

Munich. Simultaneously with the world premiere of the first BMW M Performance automobiles, BMW’s concept study of a further model from this new product category will be showcased on the media days (6 – 7 March 2012) at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. The BMW Concept M135i consistently utilises the dynamic potential of the new BMW 1 Series for the concept of the first BMW M Performance automobile featuring a straight six-cylinder petrol engine. The body design of the BMW Concept M135i assigns the youthful and sporty looks … CONTINUED

Rumors about an M135i version have been circulating for months. Now there’s official confirmation from BMW - not in the form of a press release but via a newly launched F20 accessories price list.

As you can see in the screenshots below, there’s mention of the 135i, the 135i xDrive, and the M135i. The context is interesting too: The M Sport bumpers aren’t available as aftermarket parts for the 135i and the 135i xDrive, likely because both models come standard with them. The M135i is mentioned with the drilled and slotted M Performance rotors we’ve reported about before (and which BMW just announced HERE). This likely means that the M Sport brakes are standard on the M135i.

The M135i is expected to be powered by the N55 inline … CONTINUED

On the heels of the just revealed BMW M Performance Automobiles opening lineup, our spies have spotted yet another F20 prototype which we believe may be the test mule for an upcoming M135i model to join the M Performance lineup, possibly by summer.

Now that the M550d and X5/X6 M50d have officially been announced, it’s really no big stretch to believe that BMW will go with an “M135i” moniker for the F20/F21 135i equipped with M-Sport package. To revisit the info so far on a possible M135i model — a report came from a BMW presentation to Dutch dealers in November that a “M135i” 1 series hatchback was coming this summer. Those in attendance were reportedly told about a M135i featuring 320hp and powered by the N55 … CONTINUED

We bring you the very first photos of the F21 135i. We’ve previously spied a 135i 5-door hatchback (F20), but never the 135i 3-door hatchback (F21) as seen here. In fact, F21 sightings in general have been rare.

The F21 is set to be revealed as early as Spring 2012. Expect to see more powerful engines (compared to the F20 1 series 5-door) introduced with the F21. To name a few, we expect a 125i 2.0l turbo inline 4 producing in the ballpark of 220hp and a 125d to complement the 116i, the 118i and the 120d.

M135i ?

As we reported recently, we would not be surprised if BMW went with a “M135i” moniker for this car to form part of the first group of M Performance Automobiles … CONTINUED