Spy Shots: BMW 1-series convertible

Car Magazine has caught the coming 1-series convertible doing the twisties at the 'Ring. It will be the third in the 1-series model lineup, following the 4-door hatch and the coupe. It gets a fabric roof, probably in order to eat up less of its already paltry trunk space. Engine choices will tend to the sporting side, with the top-line cab getting the twin-turbo, 300-bhp six, and, in Europe at least, they'll get a 123d that features BMW's 2-liter turbo diesel with 200 bhp. While talk of an M1 goes back and forth, Car says the current M3 engine's final task could be powering an M1. The new ultimate driving machine will also get BMW's start-stop tech and intelligent alternator. And even though the car hasn't even arrived on US shores yet (and won't until next year), the next generation is already being planned, which could include a Sportvan.

[Source: Car magazine]