Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010
Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 1 Series tii concept
According to a report originally posted at Germancarzone and then repeated at BMW Blog, a certain Bavarian automaker is currently working on a new performance version of its 1 Series. Although it wouldn't be called an M1 -- since that moniker is reserved for supercar status -- the so-called 135i SuperSports would get a bunch of improvements, consisting mostly of lightweight body panels, a decontented interior, as well as an upgraded suspension and brake package. Power is said to come from the latest version of BMW's outstanding 3.0L turbocharged inline-six that's rated at 326-horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 2009 7 Series.
We wouldn't be surprised to see the upgraded engine migrate down the line from its placement under the hood of the latest flagship, but we're a bit dubious that an upcoming lightweight SuperSports edition will see daylight beyond that. We'd rather see the 1 Series get these light weight mods (in a tii model perhaps?) along with a smaller four cylinder engine option, complete with a price that's a bit easier to swallow than the current model. We're also still holding out hope for the 123d.
Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii
[Source: Germancarzone via BMW Blog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
BigMcLargeHuge 10:39AM (1/05/2009)
BMW didn't want to make a CSL of the current M3, which is probably the better seller. So I don't see them building a lightweight 1-series either.
They'll probably build an XAT or something out of the 1-series though.
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Red 10:50AM (1/05/2009)
The X1 was confirmed almost two months ago.
Also, if BMW created a tii model with lightweight pieces, there's no way it'd come in cheaper than the current model, four cylinder or not. If you want cheaper, buy a new Camaro or a used S2000.
Keith 10:50AM (1/05/2009)
The 1-series depresses me. They are so over-priced in the dealerships. Cheapest you can get a 135i in this area is for 46-48k!!
I'm sure this model will be in the 60s!
Travis 11:11AM (1/05/2009)
@Keith - yup, BMW insists on retaining it's "luxury" moniker here in the US, and won't give us the small, (relatively) economical cars from Europe. Between the 1-series coming out so expensive here, and Audi's decision not to import the A1 (c'mon, reconsider, PLEASE!!!) I'm feeling a little neglected by the car companies right about now...
fobunited 11:40AM (1/05/2009)
46-48k?! You must be looking at a either a convertible or coupe fully loaded with useless options like active steering. I priced a convertible with iDrive, 6FL, Premium, Performance, Cold Weather, and Comfort Access with automatic (unfortunately 6 speeds are rare) for 47000, taxes and fees included. If you want a 135 coupe stripped, you can easily get it for low 30s.
Chase 11:52AM (1/05/2009)
fobunited, read the disclaimers on the configurator. Also, note that BMW generally only brings "stripped" cars via special order. When I browse the selection of 1 series that are actually available for sale in my area, I return with a big *wtf*. The lowest I've ever seen on a 135 is $37,500, but the vast majority are in the $42k-$47k area.
tom 10:50AM (1/05/2009)
123d! Bring it!
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Kumar 1:16PM (1/05/2009)
x2
Except make mine a 5 door. I only need one vehicle, but I'd like for it to be a little more utilitarian as a entry-to-the-brand model.
Maybe an A3 diesel AWD 6 speed manual?....ok...now i'm really dreamin.
JZeke 10:54AM (1/05/2009)
BMW has been cited several times recently regarding their push for 4 cylinders in the larger models, so it would make a lot of sense to offer a 4-cyl 1 series.
A lightweight version would seem more likely, as lightweight editions can command similar prices to lux versions due to their bespoke content.
BMW is doing great business in the Mini brand, I would think they would like to capture some of that move to smaller cars by diversifying the 1 series lineup downwards, not up.
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Charlie 11:12AM (1/05/2009)
By "lightweight", do they really mean "84 pounds lighter, but it has carbon fiber interior trim"?
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:23AM (1/05/2009)
The name "135i SuperSports" just isn't snappy enough. They should call it the "135i SuperSports S-Drive edition".
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Quattroporte 11:50AM (1/05/2009)
They'll probably end up naming it the BMW 1-Series M-SuperSports sDrive35i tii turbo.
Scot 11:24AM (1/05/2009)
DCT Please! If they chop 200+ lbs and add the dual clutch box this would be a sweet machine.
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Chase 11:49AM (1/05/2009)
which would add 50 lbs compared to the manual? Isn't that against the weight-savings religion?
Chance 11:49AM (1/05/2009)
Wouldn't that be a copyright infringement with Chevrolet? Apples to Oranges here, but Super Sport pretty much screams Chevy.
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:53AM (1/05/2009)
They stole Pontiac's grille too.
Red 11:55AM (1/05/2009)
Technically, isn't it "SuperSport?" lol
blogee9 3:56PM (1/14/2009)
@why not the LS2LS7?
"They stole Pontiac's grille too."
Classic.
Quattrofan 12:05PM (1/05/2009)
Awesome ride.... too bad it is overpriced to hell. I can make a long list of $60K cars that I'd take ahead of this.
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Mobius_1 12:48PM (1/05/2009)
If only it was prettier...
and cheaper
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