1 Series Official: BMW Concept M135i 3-door

[klier]

Concept still...



No numbers yet...they say 'more then 300 hp', probably 320 hp I6

http://www.autoblog.nl/driedeurs-bmw-concept-m135i-ruim-300-pk

 

[martinbo]

Even with the go-faster bits, there's just so little aesthetic appeal. And that M-Sport bumper is even uglier than the original "shark-nose".

Looks aside, from a driver's perspective this has the hallmarks of a greatly entertaining machine - good interior, nice controls and a mechanical package of note.

 

[Guibo]

Autoblog reports the official press release:

"Top athlete for the premium compact segment: The BMW Concept M135i.

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 of the new BMW 1 Series to a three-door compact model, complementing it with the distinctive athleticism so typical of a BMW M Performance automobile.

Concept study with characteristics typical of a BMW M Performance automobile.
With its sporty appearance, the compact three-door car authentically conveys the typical qualities of BMW Performance automobiles to yet another vehicle segment. BMW M Performance automobiles offer an ideal symbiosis of outstanding performance and everyday suitability. Using the expertise gained by the BMW M division from decades of motor racing experience, the supreme performance of its tremendously powerful engines specifically designed to suit each model, the meticulously modified suspension technology and the aerodynamic characteristics are all combined into a harmonious overall concept. As a result, BMW M Performance automobiles have noticeably increased agility, precisely controllable handling characteristics and an emotional design. One look at the BMW Concept M135i and the qualities crucial to that characteristic M Performance feeling are instantly evident.

The employment of a straight six-cylinder petrol power plant featuring M Performance Twin Power Turbo technology with a power output of more than 300 hp creates the ideal prerequisites for maximum dynamics in the premium compact segment and, in conjunction with rear-wheel drive concept still unique in this vehicle class, ensures unsurpassed driving pleasure so typical of a BMW.

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 concept car’s sporting character.

Body features typical M athletic design.
The front apron of the concept car boasts a typical M design, signalising intensive road-orientation, its large air intakes designed to match the cooling requirement of the powerful engine, ancillary components and large brakes. The three-dimensionally designed flaps on the air intakes give indication of the car’s direct association with motor racing.

In addition to intense road-orientation, the specific design of the rear end of the BMW Concept M135i emphasises above all the vehicle’s width. This is supplemented in particular by the three-dimensional modelling of the surfaces and the lower section of the rear apron finished in Dark Shadow metallic. Furthermore, the rear apron accommodates the exhaust system’s double tailpipe that features a dark chrome trim.

The BMW Concept M135i’s exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey and side window surrounds in BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line are a further feature of BMW M Performance automobiles.

Dynamic, stretched appearance. Concept study of the three-door BMW 1 Series.
Compared with the silhouette of the five-door BMW 1 Series, the three-door BMW Concept M135i makes an even more sporting and elegant statement. On the whole, the car has a more dynamic and elongated appearance. Viewed from the side, the car’s athletic, low-slung appearance and its nearness to the road are even more intensely expressed by an entirely horizontal contour line in the area of the doorsills. A dynamically rising character line symbolises the BMW Concept M135i’s urge to move forwards.

The wide doors are a further characteristic feature of the BMW Concept M135i’s body design. Together with the rear side windows, the frameless windows form a coherent window surface reaching back to the rear end, accentuating the body’s dynamically stretched appearance.

In addition, the surface design in the area of the rear side panels helps above all to emphasise the powerfully flared wheel arches. The visual accentuation of this part of the body directs the eye to the rear wheels, where the power of the six-cylinder power plant is transformed into driving dynamics in typical BMW manner.

Attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range.
Thanks to a distinctively sports-oriented appearance, the BMW Concept M135i offers attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range. At the same time, a clear signal has been given for the expansion of the new product category of BMW M Performance automobiles. The BMW M Performance automobiles being presented at the Geneva Motor Show and shortly to be launched are powered by the world’s most high-performing six-cylinder diesel engine available for series production vehicles. The petrol-fuelled models in this product category will also assume a similar unique position. The pre-series concept car BMW Concept M135i offers a fascinating outlook on a corresponding offer in the premium compact segment.

The world premiere of the BMW Concept M135i will take place at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, 6th March at 5 p.m. within the framework of the BMW DTM presentation. On the second media day (Wednesday, 7th March), the vehicle will be showcased all day at the BMW stand.

The BMW Group
The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 25 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and hasa global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2011, the BMW Group sold about1.67 million cars and more than 113,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last seven years."

BMW M135i Concept blends turbo heart with three-door hatch shell

^Looks to be some serious rubber (MPSS).

 

[fortuner]

Looks like ....i am shure it must handle and move damm well...

The rear looked ok although very poloish now i think looks even worst....

 

[klier]

Yeah, it's sad the front is still ugly, because this car will beat everything in it's class, and will be the most entertaining car in it's class. And the best driving.

So, a real shame
Just change the headlights and grille, and you have a stunning car, because the proportions are great.

 

[Levi68]

I am sure this car will drive as the 1M but it still looks ugly even as 3 door. I'll have to see it live when I 'll drive down to Geneva. I still think it will look better, but I want the 2 Series too look much better than this, especially in front. If the this a true M Performance Automobile, which is going to be a 1M Hatch version, I think it will get more than the 320 PS N55 version. I am betting on a at least 340 PS N55Tu engine revised by M GmbH.

 

[martinbo]

I am betting on a at least 340 PS N55Tu engine revised by M GmbH.

You'd be wrong and paying me money. Reports in the media point to this engine being referred to internally as N54S - denoting the twin turbocharged (as opposed to single, twin-scroll turbocharged N55) straight six.

 

[Levi68]

You'd be wrong and paying me money. Reports in the media point to this engine being referred to internally as N54S - denoting the twin turbocharged (as opposed to single, twin-scroll turbocharged N55) straight six.

If true, then as N54 continues production, the N54S would replace the N54Tu. But on what will the M3/M4 engine be based if not on the S63? The N54 or N55? Scott always hinted at N55 but now I doubt.

 

[Kowalski]

Must be an absolute hoot to drive, but that face...

 

[martinbo]

If true, then as N54 continues production, the N54S would replace the N54Tu.

Replace? Bad choice of words? The N54Tu doesn't exist so there's nothing to replace.

But on what will the M3/M4 engine be based if not on the S63? The N54 or N55? Scott always hinted at N55 but now I doubt.

Well whatever you do, don't speculate here in the M135i thread. You've got your very own thread for this.

 

[south]

Anybody else noticed this?

"The BMW M Performance automobiles being presented at the Geneva Motor Show and shortly to be launched are powered by the world’s most high-performing six-cylinder diesel engine available for series production vehicles. The petrol-fuelled models in this product category will also assume a similar unique position."

This sounds like more than 320hp.


Best regards,
south

 

[klier]

^ that would mean more than 340 hp? The Z4 comes with 340 hp I6...

 

[Mr Robert]

Oh, well, I thought the F20 to be a lost cause and this pretty much confirms my view. Surely this is the definite F20 model and it comes nowhere near the E87 in terms of looks.

 

[Tumbo]

I cant help seing this car, and thinking it looks like a total retard from the front, and a Polo from the back.

Damn, BMW really screwed this car up. It had so much potential, since the first 1er turned out to be a nice car. But this... oh god... Even if they make a 1000hp engine with a 3,0 liter consumption, It doesnt matter. Ugly is still ugly. And this is Fiat Multipla territory.

 

[Zafiro]

The car doesnt look sporty enough to deserve this bodykit.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I can't wait for the facelift 1er! I hope BMW remove their blinkers and realize the car hasn't got the looks... and if they do, I imagine they'll REALLY improve it (if the bean-counters give them more than a $5 budget).

At least the wheels look great on this car!

 

[SKY]

In the front they should change entirely the frontlights shape, and make the grille wider and more like the M pack. The bumper is a r*bish too, so they should change it too. The side profile and interior are perfect, and the rear... I think they should change the boot lid part to give the rearlights some kind of L-Shape, like the did with the Z3 LCI. This would completely change the car.

I´m sad cause this was gonna be my very first car. And know I won´t consider it nor the new A-Class at all.

 

[SCOTT27]

The production 3dr 1er World Premiere will take place at the AMI , Leipzig which has moved to June in order for the organisers to host an "alternative" IAA. AMI will hold two World Premieres for BMW - The 1er 3dr Sporthatch and the BMW 3er Touring. Leipzig is home to 1er and Germany is the largest market for the BMW 3er Touring. Other German manufacturers are also planning something for Leipzig.

The M135i will be available in 3dr and 5dr Sporthatch , Coupe and Cabrio (M235i) and the X1 Sport Activity Vehicle (X1 xDriveM35i) As the entry models on the BMW M Performance ladder.

 

[ateekt]

Maybe harsh or off-topic but I've to say it cuz' I couldn't hold back. No matter how great the power-train, chassis or interior etc are, face kills them all.

That is a horrible looking face. Those lights look terrible. Idk, how on earth can a car maker let that happen. And no other but BMW? Embarrassing!!

 

[Mr Robert]

I hope the 2:er looks nothing like the 1:er. Front and rear need to change a lot! But as everything under the skin seems just aces, I'm not worried