| provided by: |  |
Lyndon Conrad Bell. | 3/19/2008 | BMW
Hailed as the reincarnation of BMWs highly vaunted 2002, the 1-Series is the most eagerly anticipated new car from BMW in quite some time.
Over the years BMWs 3-Series cars have grown larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. And while we certainly aren't complaining about that, many of us do recall the fun of driving a smaller, more agile rear-wheel drive BMW two-door coupe.
Two models, the 135i and the 128i, will travel across the Atlantic from Germany this spring,
Lightweight aluminum front suspension systems, near fifty-fifty weight distribution, and five-link rear axles insure the over the road dynamics drivers have come to expect of BMW products.
Powered by the same engines and employing the same six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions found in the 3-Series cars, the 1-Series will offer bountiful performance. The top-level 135i features the 306 horsepower, three-liter, twin-turbocharged inline six that was introduced with the latest generation of the 335i. According to BMW, in the 1-Series, this engine's 295 pound-feet of torque take the car from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds.
Fuel consumption is estimated at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway.
The entry-level 128i comes with BMWs normally aspirated three-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which makes 230-horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque.
Top speed with both engines is limited to 155 miles per hour and they will also be available in the convertible 1-Series.
Disappearing completely beneath a steel lid when folded, the soft top is capable of operation at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, and will go up or down in 22 seconds. Available only in cloth, the standard top will be offered in two colors, black and taupe. The optional Moonlight Black top features reflective metallic fibers woven into the cloth to give it a radiant glow in bright sunlight.
All 1-Series cars offer a full compliment of comfort and convenience equipment including Sirius satellite radio, a standard iPod jack, and a USB port for MP3s. Seating is available in either leather or faux leather with pearl gloss accents.
Pricing starts at $28,600 for the 128i coupe and $34,900 for the 135i. Convertible pricing, while yet to be announced, is expected to be around $5000 more for each model.
Continue to article on OnWheelsInc.com