2012 BMW 1 Series Coupe And Convertible Announced
2012 BMW 1 Series Coupe And Convertible
After the launch of the 1-Series M Coupe, BMW will add two new models to its least expensive range of cars. The two models are the coupe and convertible versions of the 128i and 135i which will receive mild styling updates and a brand new powertrain (only for the 135i). As an optional feature, the 128i can be fitted with Xenon headlamps which come as standard on the 135i, and for the 2012 model, they feature a horizontal LE eyebrow that complements the corona running lamps. In the back of the car, BMW equipped both models with LED running lamps that are similar to the rest of the lamps found on the other BMW cars. Standard on the 135i and optional on the 128i is the tweaked M Sport package which consists of an aero kit, an increased top speed limiter and more sporting suspension geometry. As an optional feature, the car can be equipped with M-branded interior trim components and sport seats.
Similar to its bigger brother, the 3-Series, the 135i from BMW is equipped with the N55 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger that is capable of outputting 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. As standard, the engine is linked to a manual 6-speed gearbox, but can be fitted to a 7-speed DCT gearbox that was first available on the beautiful Z4 roadster. With this transmission, the car needs 5.1 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and with the standard gearbox, it will reach 100 km/h from start in 5.4 seconds.
The cheaper 128i will be fitted with the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter power unit that equips the outgoing generation. This engine produces 230 hp and a 200 lb-ft and can be linked with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or with a Steptronic transmission.
Both of the cars benefit from a complex suspension system that features aluminum double-pivot suspension in the front and a 5-link fully independent rear suspension made out of lightweight steel. Both cars are equipped with the proprietary DSC technology – Dynamic Stability Control, which includes DTC – Dynamic Traction Control, a function that provides electronic intervention in order to avoid loss of automobile control, but at a higher threshold before activation. The driver has the possibility to disable both systems if he wants to take full control of the car. As an optional feature only on the 135i Coupe, is the Active Steering which is a variable ratio steering system. The electronic rear brake management simulates a differential lock for allowing a stronger acceleration in low-traction conditions and in turns.
The rear differential of the 128i and the 135i is from a new generation of final drives that were designed and optimized in order improve fuel efficiency and smoothness of the ride. For the first time, the differential sports double-helical ball bearings which allow it to run at lower temperatures which are reached more quickly due to the reduction of the fluid required in the differential. The front suspension of the car features a double-pivot spring and strut front suspension that has an anti-roll bar, made out of aluminum, and is capable of offering the perfect balance between low weight and stiffness. In order to improve the dynamics of the 1-Series, the German engineers at BMW updated the stable stack control arms and thrust rods, along with an almost perfect wheel positioning.
The pricing for the 2012 BMW 1-Series will be published at the beginning of 2011, closer to the launch of the cars. The outgoing model has a basic price of $29,450 (for the 128i model) and $36,350 (for the 135i model). Our guess is that these two prices will not be very different for the 2012 model.
Post tags: Tags: 1-series, BMW, convertible, coupe
