LexFather

BMW’S 1-series family is set to expand and the car will be launched in the US from 2007, according to company bosses. The long awaited six-cylinder 1-series, which will enable the car to be sold in the USA, is expected to be unveiled in just under 12 months at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Using the same new N52 2.5-litre in-line six-cylinder engine destined for next year’s 325i, the new 125i packs 218bhp and 184lb ft – up by 68bhp and 36lb ft on the 2.0-litre four-cylinder 120i.

This engine will also be seen in a new saloon version of the 1-series that will be launched in the US in 2007. BMW says it couldn’t launch the car with four-cylinder engines in the US as buyers there prefer the turbocharged and six-cylinder units offered by rivals such as the Audi A3 and Volvo S40. BMW also thinks American buyers will prefer the saloon format, and is shying away from launching the One in the US until the saloon arrives.

It’s also possible that the 1-series could get the option of all-wheel drive, an increasingly popular option in America. A coupé version is likely, and revisions to improve the One’s much-criticised ride on its run-flat tyres are also rumoured.

In a couple of years BMW is planning a revised line-up of its UK-built four-cylinder engines. With 1.6-, 1.8- and 2.0-litre capacities, the range is dubbed ‘TU2+’. Sources also suggest that all four-cylinder BMWs will also have a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

http://www.autocarmagazine.com/News_...p?NA_ID=211650

mmarshall

Yeah, 1SICK......I've seen stories and pictures of it from other sources, too. This looks like Chris Bangle's best effort yet... ( the only machine to date he has designed I could actually live with )......and, though this article doesn't say it, other sources state that the base version will even toss out the I-Drive.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

3 years away? Oh can I stand the wait for an overpriced ugly econobox with a roundel?

Speaking of overpriced scaled down BMWs, I saw an X3 today parked at a restaurant. That thing sure is ugly.

NeverSatisfied

I don't care for that new Yugo, I mean 1-series either...

biker

Nothing below the 5 series comes with iDrive standard - it's an option even on the 3 series.
If the criticsm is true of the run flat tires, the E90 3 series will have the same problem - derived from the same chassis and tires as the 1 series.
If the 125 will be unveiled and available soon after the Frankfurt show next year - then it could be available in the US by early 2006 as a 2007 model.
I gotta go down to the dealer here and try out a 120.

Gojirra99

I'll still take the Mazda 3 hatchback

STIG

Q: Why do Yugos(X3?) have heated rear windows?























A: To keep your hands warm when you're pushing them

LexusLuver

value from a BMW?
What are they going to try and compete w/Toyota, sorry but their manufacturing is a joke next to the king.

mmarshall

Yes, you got a point. So would I.....even though the Mazda 3 shares a platform and some engineering with the Volvo S40/V50 and the European Ford Focus (which we won't see here).
I've test-driven a Mazda 3 hatchback and it is everything the pundits say it is.
Mazdas are easier and cheaper than BMW's to maintain, and have much less arrogant dealerships.