BMW releases Japan-only 120i Performance Unlimited
08-03-10, 08:12 PM
#1
BMW releases Japan-only 120i Performance Unlimited
BMW releases Japan-only 120i Performance Unlimited
Typically, JDM-only models are made by Japanese automakers. Someone apparently forgot to tell BMW, however, as the German automaker has just launched the third in a recent line of Nippon-specific special editions.
Following in the footsteps of the X6 Performance Unlimited and the Mini Savile Row comes the new 120i Performance Unlimited. The special 1-Series comes equipped with the 170-horsepower 2.0-liter four with a six-speed automatic and a variety of M-Sport components, from bumper caps and and a blacked-out grille to a set of 18-inch split-five-spoke alloys and carbon fiber spoiler and mirror housings.
The cabin is similarly decked out in M-Sport extras, like sport seats, leather-covered steering wheel and shift lever and aluminum pedals. Exterior colors are limited to blue or white, and only 30 examples will be built. If you want to get your hands on one, first of all, you'll have to relocate to Japan and then stand in line with ¥4,350,000 (about $50,300).
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/03/b...nce-unlimited/
08-03-10, 10:42 PM
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08-03-10, 10:50 PM
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08-04-10, 05:38 AM
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This car has obviously been adapted for the Japanese market.
When I was in Tokyo and Osaka a few years ago, I noticed that automatic transmissions are very popular over there in a number of automobiles, including the smaller Kei cars. Given the dense traffic in those cities (and other Japanese cities), an automatic makes sense - even on a supposed performance model.
I suspect that most of the 120i performance models will be sold to individuals in the city who want something "sporty" but don't want to give up the convenience and comfort of a daily driver, hence the automatic. I wanted an automatic in my BMW 118d for exactly those reasons.
Also, there's nothing wrong with performance / sporty cars equipped with an automatic transmission. As far as I know, BMW doesn't even sell manual transmission cars in markets like South Korea.
When I was in Tokyo and Osaka a few years ago, I noticed that automatic transmissions are very popular over there in a number of automobiles, including the smaller Kei cars. Given the dense traffic in those cities (and other Japanese cities), an automatic makes sense - even on a supposed performance model.
I suspect that most of the 120i performance models will be sold to individuals in the city who want something "sporty" but don't want to give up the convenience and comfort of a daily driver, hence the automatic. I wanted an automatic in my BMW 118d for exactly those reasons.
Also, there's nothing wrong with performance / sporty cars equipped with an automatic transmission. As far as I know, BMW doesn't even sell manual transmission cars in markets like South Korea.
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08-04-10, 09:02 AM
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As far as I know, the current HS isn't a performance car. Lexus is welcome to create a performance version of the HS if they feel there's a market for it out there.
08-04-10, 04:54 PM
#11
The only thing I laugh at is their choice of using the word "Unlimited". The 1 series has started to grow on my. I've seen a lot of them around lately and its not a bad looking car especially compared to a lot of cars around that size that are out lately.
08-04-10, 06:55 PM
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They shouldn't go nuts. I think way back when I was all for a 4 cylinder IS or something. Nothing wrong with it as long as it moves the car sufficiently. I think 170 HP in a 1 series could be a good thing. Personally, I think the 135i engine is kind of overkill in that car. If that 170HP 4 cylinder engine is lighter than the i6 it cold make for a real nice balanced car. You figure 170HP is about as much as the early E46 BMW had in the 323/325.
The only thing I laugh at is their choice of using the word "Unlimited". The 1 series has started to grow on my. I've seen a lot of them around lately and its not a bad looking car especially compared to a lot of cars around that size that are out lately.
The only thing I laugh at is their choice of using the word "Unlimited". The 1 series has started to grow on my. I've seen a lot of them around lately and its not a bad looking car especially compared to a lot of cars around that size that are out lately.
I am just tripping on the name
Many of BMW's most famous performance cars in the past have been powered by - guess what? Four cylinder engines - a fact that seems to elude even most hardcore "BMW enthusiasts". For many Asian markets with engine capacity taxes, a 120i makes a lot of sense as a supposed performance model.
As far as I know, the current HS isn't a performance car. Lexus is welcome to create a performance version of the HS if they feel there's a market for it out there.
As far as I know, the current HS isn't a performance car. Lexus is welcome to create a performance version of the HS if they feel there's a market for it out there.
Heaven only knows about the other cars.
I just think the auto/engine/name configuration is posing really badly.
08-05-10, 08:16 AM
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