BMW is set to give its second-generation 1 Series a performance-based shot in the arm, albeit in concept form, with the unveiling of its M135i concept ahead of this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
BMW has not yet released official performance figures for this apex 1 Series, but power will reportedly come from a twin-turbo 3,0-litre inline-six developing in the region of 240 kW and a hearty 440 N.m of torque. Weighing in at around 1 500 kg, the M135i could potentially crack the 0-110 km/h sprint in 4,9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Early reports suggest that the M135i will not only be offered in rear-wheel-drive coupe guise, but also a five-door hatchback with all-wheel drive, albeit only in left-hand drive.
Along with widened tracks and a lowered ride height; the M135i will roll on a set of lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels framing uprated brakes with discs measuring 360 mm up front and 350 mm in the rear.
An aggressive body kit with a deeper chin spoiler, wider sills and a revised rear valance with twin exhaust pipes will feature on the concept along with LED-supplemented headlamps and body decals finished in traditional M division colours.
A production version is said to be waiting in the wings with a tentative late-2012 release date and will meet the likes of the Audi RS3 head-on as part of BMW’s recently announced M Performance line-up (M550d xDrive saloon and touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d).
More details will emerge closer to the car’s official unveiling at Geneva early next month.
