Autoblog

BMW spills all the beans on new 1 Series

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:48:00 EST

2012 BMW 1 Series - Click above for high-res image mega gallery

There's no point, or so the saying goes, of closing the door once the horses have bolted. So shortly after the first handful of images leaked their way onto the Internet, BMW has released the full kit n' kaboodle on its new entry-level model.

The all-new 2012 1 Series is expected to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. And when it does, it will be a substantially different car than the model it replaces. The new model - code-named F20 and based on the same platform that underpins the (now only slightly larger) 3 Series - has grown considerably over the E81 it succeeds, with every dimension but height increasing. The changes benefit both interior and cargo space, two aspects where the outgoing model fell short.

The new sheetmetal has also bears revised styling, with a bigger face incorporating the giant eyes featured on BMW's latest concept cars, a more pronounced swage line and taillights moved outboard across the wider track to offer a larger liftgate aperture for increased ease-of-use. The Bavarians also appear to have paid close attention to the interior fit and finish to improve on the previous model's rather spartan cabin.

Under that long nose, the new baby Bimmer is being launched exclusively with four-cylinder engines, and while more variants are expected to follow, for now it's just the five-door hatch. A pair of 1.6-liter gasoline engines pack direct injection and offer 136 horsepower in 116i trim and 170 in the 118i. Three 2.0-liter turbo-diesels are also being offered overseas, ranging from 116 horsepower up to 184 in the flagship 120d. A 1.5-liter three-pot is expected to come in gasoline and diesel variants, while the top 128iS is slated to get a 245hp turbo 2.0-liter gasoline four to take the place of the current six-cylinder 130i.

All engines come mated to either a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed auto from ZF, with an array of earth-friendly technologies including stop-start ignition and regenerative braking. Of course, this being the latest offering from a leading German automaker, all manner of electronic assists are on offer, from self-adjusting high-beams and lane departure warning to automatic traffic sign recognition and a back-up camera.

Overseas buyers will also be able to choose between Urban and Sport trim levels offering different aesthetics, but we'll have to sit tight to see which models will make their voyage to this side of the Atlantic. In the meantime, you're invited to peruse the massive 127-image high-resolution gallery for all the angles and the extensive 21-page press release - complete with spec sheets - after the jump.

Continue reading BMW spills all the beans on new 1 Series

BMW spills all the beans on new 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 1 Series leaks onto Internet ahead of Frankfurt reveal

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:13:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series leaked images - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh dear. It appears that the overhauled 2012 BMW 1 Series has leaked onto the Internet ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut, and while we only have images of it from a few angles, the new car's design has us scratching our heads. It's true that the 1 Series has never been a particularly gorgeous thing, but we're going to have to see this one in person to wrap our head around its upsized visage.

As is the way with such things, the 1 Series will grow in size compared to the car we currently enjoy, and a range of new four- and six-cylinder turbocharged engines should be seen underhood. BMW is expected to further its Efficient Dynamics program by fitting the new 1 with start/stop technology, as well as regenerative braking, though it isn't immediately clear what technologies will come on the 1 Series when it reaches the States.

2012 BMW 1 Series leaks onto Internet ahead of Frankfurt reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2013 BMW sub-1 Series hatch with front-wheel drive

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Luxury

BMW executives have been talking openly about adding a front-wheel drive model to the range and the first example are due to arrive in 2013. A new model to slot in below the 1 series is expected to share its platform with the next generation Mini, while the 1 series is expected to continue with rear-wheel drive and be available in both the current hatchback and coupe body styles.

Autocar reports the new FWD model will also be badged as a 1 series, giving customers multiple options to choose from. Similar to how Volkswagen and Audi share platforms at different price points, BMW is expected to pitch its car as more premium than the Mini.

What is unknown at this time is whether the new entry BMW/Mini will also share its platform with BMW's upcoming electric Megacity vehicle.

[Source: AutoCar]

Rendered Speculation: 2013 BMW sub-1 Series hatch with front-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

BMW 1 Series M prototype on the 'Ring - Click above to watch the video after the break

The BMW 1 Series M is getting ever closer to production, and what appears to be a real production prototype has made its first appearance at the "Green Hell." The previously seen tacked-on rear fender flares of the previous mules have been discarded in favor of enhanced sheet metal. All of the metal from the side character line is covered in the standard-issue BMW swirly prototype wrap. Based on the new nose, this car has some serious air ingestion requirements as evidenced by the large openings below the bumper.

Within the wheels, the BMW engineers have wasted none of the available space, filling the fronts with as much brake hardware as could be squeezed in with only slightly less going into the back corners.

If the production car sounds like what we hear in the video after the jump, driving this 1 M/M1/135is/whatever will be a glorious audio experience. Tip of the hat to Luis!

[Source: 1addicts.com]

Continue reading Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring

Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Best look yet BMW's forthcoming hi-po 1 Series [w/poll]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW M1/1 M/135is - Click above for high-res image gallery

The oft-speculated M version of the BMW 1 Series appears to be getting closer to production reality if our latest batch of spy pics is anything to go on. Exactly what badge it will were remains unknown at this point. It seems improbable that it will actually be called M1 since BMW likely wants to preserve the badge for its original M supercar. However, it is possible that the hotted up 1 could follow the pattern of the X5/X6 and be called the 1 M - and it might not even get an M badge altogether. Perhaps it will just be dubbed 135is like the new-for-2011 335is that we recently reviewed - or even a 135 tii like a previous concept shown by BMW.

1 Series enthusiasts' forum 1Addicts.com has an FAQ of unknown provenance that indicates the car will be launched late this year and on sale in the first half of 2011. Power is expected to come from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six which perhaps indicates that the 135is branding is the most likely scenario. A convertible may also be part of the plan.

Our spy shooter notes that this car is clearly further developed from the previous prototypes with tacked-on black fenders. The front spoiler, widened fenders, and big alloys shrouding oversized drilled discs appear to be near-production items too. Given that the current 135i puts offers 300 horsepower, and going speculation has the hotter model delivering 350-370 horsepower.

All of which begs the question: What do you want the new top-rung 1 Series to be called? Take our survey below and let us know what you think.

View Poll

[Sources: CarPix, 1Addicts]

Spy Shots: Best look yet BMW's forthcoming hi-po 1 Series [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, BMW

BMW 1 Series Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series - due to launch in 2010 - will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series Hybrid

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

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]

Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW could be developing 1-Series "Shooting Brake" wagon

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, BMW

BMW's 1 Series is stuck between a rock and a hard place, neatly slotting in between BMW's perennial best-selling 3-series and the FWD wunderkind, MINI. Loaded-up Coopers pass the $30K mark with ease and the base 3-Series model starts in the same neighborhood. This doesn't leave much wiggle room with the 1 Series, but BMW is looking to make the most of what little extra market share is available. One segment that the Bavarian automaker is looking to explore is the "shooting brake" body style (think 2-door wagon) that would add a dose of practicality to the small coupe in the form of a rear hatch.

This type of vehicle has historically fared rather poorly in the style-conscious United States, but Europeans seem more apt to choose practical hatch-like styles, so we'd expect the new model to debut across the pond for sure. BMW is expected to launch a new version of its entry-level model that will be larger and offer downsized engines with direct injection and forced induction burning both gasoline and diesel fuel.

[Source: Auto Bild via Motor Authority]

BMW could be developing 1-Series "Shooting Brake" wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marketing 101: Make stuff up, make it visible - BMW's subtle 1-Series shilling

Dan Roth — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW

Marketing campaigns are always in search of a new hook, and BMW's gotten creative to help keep the 1-Series on boil. Readers of the March 24th edition of Autoweek were treated to a smattering of tiny-Roundel factoids at the bottom of the mag's pages. Some of them might be true, while others seem entirely made up. The hard facts are naturally spot-on, but subjective impressions like back seat comfort, desirability, and a link to the 2002 are all tenuous at best. The effort is charming in its cleverness, even if we're not entirely sold on the idea that we're going to regret it if we neglect to buy a 1-Series.

[Source: AutoInsane.com]

Marketing 101: Make stuff up, make it visible - BMW's subtle 1-Series shilling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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