2002 in 2012: Next BMW 1-series taking retro cues, turbo'd four
When BMW trotted out the 1-series coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, the jumbo-tron was awash in videos and stills of the 2002 as the automaker attempted to associate the new 128i and 135i with BMW's iconic coupe. Almost two years later, it's clear the 1-series isn't the 2002's spiritual successor, but new reports continue to surface saying BMW is hard at work on a range of Ones to bring the magic back.In addition to a turbocharged four-cylinder model wearing the Super Sport moniker and the five body styles on the drawing board, CAR is reporting that an entry-level model – tentatively dubbed the 115i – is in the works and due to debut in 2012. On the other end of the spectrum is the aforementioned Super Sport variant that's expected to feature round headlamps in a homage to the 2002, along with a new coupe body style also slated to arrive in the latter half of 2012. The SS model will slot in between the 135i and next M3, and is likely to pack a turbo'd 2.0- or 2.2-liter four-pot putting out 300 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. A dual-clutch transmission will be optional and a reduced curb weight is part of the package.
While we've heard these claims before, with Audi stepping up its own weight loss program, BMW needs to compete, and we're hoping the next 1-series is an indication of what's to come.
[Source: CAR]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Big Rocket 3:41PM (3/13/2009)
If BMW is serious about bringing back the magic of the old days, it can start by completely getting rid of its flame-surfacing fad, instead of just trying to tone it down a bit. Replacing Chris Bangle with Adrian van Hooydonk is not a good start.
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nissanfreak87 4:19PM (3/13/2009)
Yep, because nothing says cool performance machine like a box on wheels!
Not saying the 2002 and E30 weren't cool, but their design language is hardly aerodynamic or current.
Big Rocket 8:29PM (3/13/2009)
@nissanfreak87: You're certainly welcomed to your own tastes, and I personally prefer a "boxy" E46 M3 (designed by Chris Bangle before he invented flame surfacing) over anything else produced by BMW since then. I would also point out classic BMWs were characterized by understated elegance, clean lines, etc. These qualities are completely at odds with flashy flame surfacing, which is why I said what I said: Unless BMW completely removes flame surfacing, it will not be able to recapture the magic of the classic cars.
naggs 4:54AM (3/14/2009)
i agree, flame surfacing needs to go
DI turbo 4s will be powering most cars pretty soon
bmw is not going to sell anything for under $25k
RedSiBaron 8:53AM (3/16/2009)
@nissanfreak87 im telling ed and dave...
seriously, didn't you almost buy an e30 because of how awesome it is? it looks brilliant and for the time period it was a lot more sophisticated in its design than most boxy designs of the period, plus you were kinda missing the e21 in your bash list, you know the first 3 series. For example the red one that sat behind my house for months along with the e28. Oh and lets not forget the e21 had door mounted chrome mirrors. I know you man, and this was just blatant hating you don't even believe your comments. You know it to be true...
timurjonchik 3:42PM (3/13/2009)
WOW very Impressive BMW
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larry a 4:02PM (3/13/2009)
Holy crap good news, but nothing will be hotter than my e30
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sdcarnut 4:07PM (3/13/2009)
I live in so cal and i see a 3 series on every other corner, and i have seen a total of "3" 1 series since they came out, I wonder why ? oops price versus a couple more grand for a 3 series, the so cal king !!! soo if they wanna bring out a 2002 sucessor they need to price it right !
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P.V. 2:24PM (3/14/2009)
The same is true in my area. That said, bring it on, BMW!
Edmond Dantes 4:12PM (3/13/2009)
SS? Seriously?
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homunculus 4:30PM (3/13/2009)
that bulging character line at the base of the door is really awful
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Mr. Salty 4:50PM (3/13/2009)
Maybe they can come out with a negative-1 series and actually get the curb weight under 3000? Or is that called the 'Mini Cooper'?
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Quan 6:45PM (3/13/2009)
We heard a lot of this lightweight and return to form stuff when the 1 Series came out. It still ended up overpriced and fat. Until I actually see this car I'm not buying the marketing hype.
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Todd 7:16PM (3/13/2009)
Totally agree with you.
I remember when the coupe was going to be the "two series" and start in the low to mid 20s. I could live with the weight, but the price is stupid. Way way to expensive in the entry level market.
I think they need to start the 1 series with some of the four-bangers offered in Europe for around 25K.
Noah 7:55PM (3/13/2009)
Maybe with the turbo-4, they can offer a low-end variant that would be cheaper than the 128i. Call it a 120i, 2.0T with ~220hp/230tq, perhaps it could be cheaper than the 128i. It would at least be a bit lighter, better weight distribution.
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robert 12:46AM (3/14/2009)
The clean sheet metal design is the late 1990s-early 2000 design trend. If you haven't noticed most car's sheet metal have become increasing complicated and curvier in the past few years. Even the current camry's sheet metal has more details than its predecessor, Toyota didn't make the full leap because it is trying to please the masses. Another example is the new TL compare to the old. Changes are hard to accept but once the market is flooded with them the old design will really start to show its age. I like the E46 M3 and believe it will probably become a classic like the E30 M3.
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Sandouras 11:40AM (3/16/2009)
Every car nowadays is flame surfaced. Only audis still remain boring as hell. My toilet is more interesting to look at than an A4 or A3.
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