German Magazine article on Future M1 + real-life test of 135i vert vs SLK and Boxter

[///M1]

Sorry for the bad scan quality, but that's the best I can do.

See the artist impressions on the cover page and a detailed story (in German) on pp.2

So the new "M1" will not be called that due to the history of the real M1, it will be called "M Coupe". 2.0ltr 4-cyl twin turbos making 310PS and 450NM tq (current 135i is 306PS and 400Nm). Some more discussion on weight, tranny, etc. If someone that is well versed in Geman and volunteers, he/she can post some more.

Also, the magazine featured a real life test between the 135i vert, SLK 350, and Cayman S. Guess who won...

[BForbes]

Thanks for scanning it man!! That is definitely delicious. I'm pretty sure they are talking about the next-generation performance 1series. I'm of the belief that BMW will have the current gen's performance variant out by mid next year(debut's sept '09)

[///M1]

Originally Posted by BForbes

Thanks for scanning it man!! That is definitely delicious. I'm pretty sure they are talking about the next-generation performance 1series. I'm of the belief that BMW will have the current gen's performance variant out by mid next year(debut's sept '09)

Yeah, this is def next generation, so don't expect it soon! (of course whether we see it in the US is another story, BMW brass may decide it will cannibalize M3 sales and nix the import!)

As far as a performance variant for this generation - tough to say again. BMW may decide that it is well at the end of the lifecycle of our cars and no point to bringing it in for a yr or two. They may just stick to BMW performance parts and call it a day. BMW sales are down close to 40% and with the expense of federalizing a new vehicle (which would be in very limited production) - the costs may outweigh the sales benefits (the top reason sadly why the US is not seeing more RS models from Audi, such as the RS6 and RS4 Avant...)

Good to see they've mostly kept the shape, the rear qtr is virtually identical which is one of the things I love about the 1- coupe. I hope the hood scoop isn't too large, honestly one reason I didn't like the E9x M3 and opted for the RS4 - behind the wheel it visually felt you are driving a Mustang!

[PrimoM3]

Fingers and toes crossed for US sale. Thanks for posting...

[pheller]

Just read through it. The few things worth mentioning that the OP didn't is that the article specifies weight reduction by way of Aluminum shocks,hood, and axle components which in combination with the lightweight 4 Cyl. engine, may add up to 100 Kilos less.

I think the most interesting bit of the article was that fuel economy is expected to be in the 8 l/100km (29 mpg) range.

[JB135i]

Looks like the Porsche won the objectives and the BMW won the subjectives, right?

[///M1]

Originally Posted by pheller

Just read through it. The few things worth mentioning that the OP didn't is that the article specifies weight reduction by way of Aluminum shocks,hood, and axle components which in combination with the lightweight 4 Cyl. engine, may add up to 100 Kilos less.

I think the most interesting bit of the article was that fuel economy is expected to be in the 8 l/100km (29 mpg) range.

Thx, your German is clearly better than mine!

[matt]

only 100kg???
and no 6 cyl?

hell no, i keep my n54 and shave 100kg off myself or buy a porsche...

aint payin 50000euro for a 4cyl turbo.

1400kg, 3l n/a, like 350hp@8000rpm and some ///M gimmicks, im all in.


thx for the scans but they look horrible brah

[///M1]

Originally Posted by matt

only 100kg???
and no 6 cyl?

hell no, i keep my n54 and shave 100kg off myself or buy a porsche...

aint payin 50000euro for a 4cyl turbo.

for just about the same reasons I find the TT-RS a bit disappointing. Though granted, it is a 5-cyl, so I guess it is right at the inflection pt between saying "No" and "Possibly"...

That's where the auto world is going though - smaller engines, higher output. If the US automakers stay alive, those will be the only ones stuffing huge engines in cars with a hp-to-liter ratio of less than 50!

[blklacker]

rims amazing... wide body kit amazing...front grill amazing...Hood amazing..mirrors amazing...If this car diffuser is up to snuff I would pre order one tomorrow... It simply looks sick..purrreeee sicknesss

[blklacker]

Originally Posted by Phiberglass

What about the original M coupes



I don't think they'll call it that, can't replace the shoe!

Please not the clown shoe

[Miami135i]

Clown shoe made me laugh

The older M coupes were not that attractive to me.
I do like the looks of the Z4M though. There are a few that drive around here.

[gtaday51]

Jesus Cristo that looks like an E46 to me. Just the way I want it. This will be my next car if they make it a NA I6. Somehow I dont see a 4cyl having a nice exhaust note. The last thing I want is a farty ///M!

[zbladejr]

Well, I could see......just about nothing. Let's try for a better quality scan - though I do appreciate the effort; better than nothing.

As to issues with next gen M3 - my money's on the V8 twin turbo tuned to ridiculous standards and a price nearing $90K - that would then be a true 911 Turbo fighter, with a difference!

I'll take mine in white with the carbon roof. Until then 135i will work just fine - artist dream's of 1M notwithstanding.

Agree with comment on sound of 4 cylinder.....we'll see....I mean hear.

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by Miami135i

Clown shoe made me laugh

The older M coupes were not that attractive to me.
I do like the looks of the Z4M though. There are a few that drive around here.

I felt that too, but now I love the M coupes. I'm sure its exclusivity makes me like them even more.

[JHZR2]

Can't say that Im keen on the hood scoop (reminds me of a subaru), or the "eyelids" on the headlights... Boo.

Ill take a 135i with M-sport, please. Subtle is better, IMO.

[Miami135i]

They actually kind of remind me of the E60 for some reason

[MOCKBA]

1ser looks like a clear loser. I would prefer to see new Z4 instead.

[bobbynoway]

To me it seems BMW is going backwards by using a 4 cylinder motor.
Whats with the bonnet scoop? Im not a fan of them. They usally put the inter-warmer there when it is better to have them upfront.

[Alext]

Definitely going backwards with the 4cyl! Much prefer the note of a 6cyl thank you very much!

Might as well buy an EVO or WRX.

[andrew9223]

I dont believe those specs to be true at all and the photoshop probably isnt very accurate either. BMW would have a hard time selling a 4 banger in the US imo.

[BMW86]

I wish my 135i looked like that!!!

I love the scoop, the front end and the rims! Looks so aggressive and it is reminiscent of the evos and sti's. I hope bmw run with this - looks awesome!