Spy Shots: BMW 1-Series coupe in the buff
by Chris Shunk on Mar 19th 2007 at 12:48AM 
We reported to you back in January that the BMW 1-Series was on its way to the US in 2008 and that the mini-Bimmer would come in several two-door configurations. After Brenda Priddy and friends caught the 1-Series in an all-out photo shoot in the American Southwest, we're more convinced than ever that the 1-Series will hit US shores, and soon.
The 1-Series' price will likely be slotted in between the MINI Cooper and the 3-Series, with some speculation that indicates that the 300 HP, twin-turbo 3.0L may find its way under hood. That kind of power coming packed into a small, RWD vehicle from Bavaria is almost guaranteed to be a fantastic drive. To keep the BMW cachet in the US alive and well, we doubt the normally-aspirated four-cylinder model sold in Europe will come here anytime soon. That is, until BMW develops a new turbo-four.
[Source: Edmunds]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
NT 1:27AM (3/19/2007)
I wish the success of the Audi A3, the Mazda 3, and the VW GTI could convince BMW that there is a market in the US for a four door hatchback. BMW's 1 series would be the only rear wheel drive hatchback if they would sell it here. Times have changed. I think it could work. I mean the coupe looks great too, but I wish they would give us both. I for one much prefer hatchbacks and own one now as my only car.
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DPC car videos 1:51AM (3/19/2007)
300 horsepower with a twin turbo engine would be awesome, not to mention you can add more power by a simple ECU upgrade.
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rwcmick 1:52AM (3/19/2007)
It's a pity that BMW feels so burned by the 318ti, but lets face it that was not the best looking hatch. Given the Mini's success, you'd think that BMW would feel bolstered enough to give it another stab, but maybe BMW feels that the hatch is Mini's turf in the USA.
The coupe seems nice, but so small...Without the practicality of the hatch to stuff gear into, it's hard to justify this one as a single car.
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NoNameDenton 2:10AM (3/19/2007)
I love it, I have seen renderings of what the coupe, convertible and the future sedan are going to look like. With the price of the 3 series going up BMW needs a new entry level car in America to stay competative. And despite what some people think, yes, as I said, there will be more the a coupe for the 1 series in America. BMW does not do things half way and will over variants.
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al 2:44AM (3/19/2007)
It would be a great alternative to the WRX wagon too. As someone who dislikes FWD, and doesn't care for VW/Audi products there's not much in small hatchbacks that are fun to drive and well made.
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Todd 4:35AM (3/19/2007)
Looks good to me so far. I truly hope the twin turbo finds its way into the engine bay!
Lets hope they can keep this one series small over the years and not let it get bloated like the 3 series. Else they will have to come out with a 0.5 series!
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jb 7:25AM (3/19/2007)
it's sad that a company like BMW would need a 300HP engine in order not to lose its 'cachet' in the US. There is so much more to sporty driving than overpowered cars...
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vsrp 8:02AM (3/19/2007)
It would be even better if BMW offers a turbo diesel in the 1 series..
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mirko 9:36AM (3/19/2007)
Sure, a 300hp version sounds like fun, but it's 2007, and BMW has always been a "brain > muscle" brand, so where are the 4-cylinder versions?
What about the 120d diesel? 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and 48 mpg.
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felipe 9:21AM (3/19/2007)
car is nice, reminds me of an Audi though.
that guy pumping gas is the real babe magnet.
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Michael Karesh 10:26AM (3/19/2007)
Easily the best-looking 1-Series photographed to date.
I agree that a four-door compact hatch with the turbo six would be very nice. Of course, they've yet to offer that engine in the 3-Series wagon.
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MikeW 12:02PM (3/19/2007)
Forget the N54, the direct injection N53 3.0 is plenty of brain-muscle 268hp, 236ft-lbs in 'efficient dynamics' trim.
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Matt 5:02PM (3/19/2007)
Love the 1-series styling ever since I read about its release in Europe. I can't wait for it to come to the U.S and someday get my hands on the diesel model. What would be a real treat is if BMW decides to put out an "M" model of the 1.
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