More Reports: Next BMW 1 Series could spawn Super Sport version
You can't please everybody. Customers complain that the current BMW 1 Series is too small, while others say it's too heavy. Some want it to offer more space, while others want it to be sportier. You can't please everybody, but BMW is evidently going to try.
Although the next version of the compact 1 Series is expected, as most new models are, to grow in size, BMW is also reportedly planning a lightweight two-door sport model. Referred to in the interim as the 1 Series Super Sport (to avoid confusion with the original mid-engine M1 exotic), the hot 1 would be a spiritual successor to the '60s-era 2002 (pictured above) and the original '80s-era M3. Motivation could be provided by a turbo- or supercharged four-cylinder driving as much as 300 horsepower through a dual-clutch gearbox, coupled with all the electronic bells and whistles of modern day BMWs for a 0-60 sprint in five seconds flat. With those kind of stats, we hope this is one of those rumors that turns out to be true.
[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
xspeedy 2:03PM (1/22/2009)
If you want more space buy a 3 or 5. If you want a car that you strap on and drive, buy the 1. The new 1 needs to be simpler, lighter, and sportier.
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Chase 2:40PM (1/22/2009)
The driving characteristics of the 135i are amazing, even considering the price (its comparable to the same-price Mitsu Evo). The 335i is simply not as fun to drive as a 135i. If it came in hatchback form, like the 1ers in Europe, I'd have been sold a long time ago.
Carlos 2:48PM (1/22/2009)
Agreed, I would love to see BMW create a light weight 300 hp four banger. Talk about a beautiful combo. That would be insane.
hashiryu 3:47PM (1/22/2009)
@chase, you have no idea what you are talking about. Those hatches are FUGLY. I'd easily give up their practicality for the better looking 1-coupe.
superman211 5:06PM (1/22/2009)
It does 0-60 in 4.6 sec what more do you want form a 3.0L I6?
Charlie 10:14PM (1/22/2009)
Right on, sir. Why doesn't BMW create a horizontal pricing tier for the 1-series? The 3-series could be their mainstream sedan, while only the hardcore need apply for the 1-series. Sort of like the Lexus ES/IS models, except much more pronounced. I know several BMW CCA members that would gladly pay current 3-series money for a true modern successor to the 2002 and E30.
It would be sad to finally see the 3 complete the transition to sporty German Buick. Then again, the 3 is enough of a shadow of its former self as it is.
MemphisNET 2:03PM (1/22/2009)
Let's start with making the current 1-Series a bit cheaper!! 34k CND to start, and that's before you give it a paint job or some nice wheels.
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xspeedy 2:04PM (1/22/2009)
People are idiots. If you want larger, get a 3 or 5. The new 1 needs to be simpler, lighter, and sportier.
Sheesh.... Can I get a third row in my 1?
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Quattroporte 2:37PM (1/22/2009)
"If you want larger, get a 3..."
Are you sure?
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4755
Obviously it's the previous generation 3-Series, but based on the this picture the 1-Series does not need to get any bigger.
Quattroporte 2:47PM (1/22/2009)
"...based on the this picture..."
My 150th comment and I still don't know what I'm doing.
Charlie 10:19PM (1/22/2009)
Quattroporte, the other interesting thing about that picture is that one of them looks like a handsome coupe and the other looks like a damn cartoon of a coupe.
hashiryu 2:04PM (1/22/2009)
The one series is first, to heavy, and secondly too expensive. The 3 series is barely 5 grand more.
Get with it BMW. This sounds interesting, but I'm sure it will cost as much as a 335i.
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gtn.spitfire 3:23PM (1/22/2009)
Ish..
I can understand the premium price because you're paying for the same 300hp bi-turbo that you get in the 3. However a 4-cyl version would make a lot of sense for a few reasons, 1) everyone is "going green" so a 4-cyl BMW sort of fits; 2) a 4-cyl would be a great “entry-level” engine to bring the price down a bit; 3) It would please the sports car crowd that wants a small/light weight BMW
I'm probably wrong about all those points but that all I could come up w/ :P
P.V. 2:04PM (1/22/2009)
Call it the tii, not the Super Sport (isn't that a GM trademark?), as tii says BMW more to me than SS does. In any case, I eagerly await this.
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Quattroporte 2:50PM (1/22/2009)
My previous comment.
"They'll probably end up naming it the BMW 1-Series M-SuperSports sDrive35i tii turbo."
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/rumormill-bmw-135i-supersports-model-coming-in-2010/
JZeke 2:05PM (1/22/2009)
I wish they could ditch the "all the electronic bells and whistles" altogether. I'd buy a 4 cylinder 1 series without any of these value-added pieces and cloth seats if they could just offer one. I don't need a flappy gearbox, I don't want any electronics other than an Ipod connection, and it must have sport seats and suspension. I understand BMW wants to stay upmarket, but a car like this isn't going to excite many buyers so it would keep the brand exclusive.
*sigh*
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TurboPanzer 2:08PM (1/22/2009)
I'm sorry, but give me a vintage 2002 or 3.0 CSL anyday over this new 1-series.
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Mazda FTW! 2:10PM (1/22/2009)
I agree. Make it lighter, better looking and cheaper and I'm there. But as it stands, I'd pick the 3 series Coupe.
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Nick_318is 2:18PM (1/22/2009)
Make it more affordable and lighter and let me take out some options, I will take cloth manual seats and no sunroof, with a 6 speed, and a high reving turbo 4 call it a tii.
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roadkillrob 2:21PM (1/22/2009)
So they are going to do all this work and come out with a 5 second car - don't they have that already without the stripes?? The problem is that the 135i even as heavy as it is, is already a 5 second car - if they make it any faster, no one will buy an M3, so there isn't much point for the whole thing unless they just make it a CSL and make it light and optionless, but really damn fast around a track - just like an original tii!
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