German Car Zone

Same Question , Different response...

With the release or the BMW 1er Coupe and the storming top end model the 135i a model that begs the question , What happens next?
With it's past BMW history design evoking the 2002 and the E21 and E30 3er models surely there is more to be seen.

Although the premiere of the BMW 1er tii at Tokyo in October 2007 brought the question to the forefront again , although the tii was a preview of an upcoming BMW Performance Package specifically for the 1er Coupe.

How can the 135i be progressed and with the original decision there was plans to take forward with an M1 - History aside regarding the original BMW M1 Supercar but the name M1 was destined to be reinvented to the new M model of the 1er Coupe.
Unfortunately development although extensive on the existing 6 cylinder engine originally from the E46 M3 and the upgraded engine for the E46 M3 CSL were both developed , tested and evaluated for use in the top of the line M1. Sadly re-engineering the old block with magnesium to reduce weight and provide the 1er with many unique solutions to be a solitary choice amongst small performance cars.
Unfortunately the development did not produce the results the BMW board had specified .

For many the question regarding the M3's position regarding an M1 Coupe was also reconsidered as the 1er was to follow it's 3er brother and be the entry M Coupe , The V8 M3 would be positioned further from the E46 M3 like it is positioned today which is why there is a gap , allbeit a considerable one from 135i to M3.
What solution fills the gap.

Under no illusion that people are asking for more from the 1er Coupe which is a very popular choice for young enthusiasts migrating from the MINI brand or dire choices such as the Mercedes CLC .
BMW are aiming for a aback to basics roll out for the current car beginning with the much talked about four cylinder Turbo charged engine already in development but not quite as perfection but getting there pumping out over 240PS and still undergoing testing to get the optimum in efficiency not noramlly expected for a small perfromance coupe

As seen with the advent of the F01 BMW have shown how much power can be taken from the existing six cylinder . Originally expected to progress down from the 7er to next Z4 (E89) BMW have changed there original focus in letting the 7er have all the glory for now.
But the 135i will be one of the first BMW's to receive the upgraded six cylinder in 2010 as will the 5er (F10).

To combat the question of what to do further to progress the 1er Coupe has resulted in a back to basics formula resulting in the creation of the
"SuperSports" model. Limited to the Coupe and only with the 120i (four cylinder turbo) and 135i will be a specific performance addition resulting in the use of lightweight materials such as a Carbon Fibre Roof and bootlid , loss of certain cabin comforts , upgraded suspension and brakes , lightweight glass , all the creative and performance comforts created for the M variant but not under full MotorSport badging , a different body kit will differintate the SuperSports from the regular BMW Performance Package and that includes brake and additional preformance upgrades .
BMW Performance will be individual from the SuperSports programme .

The end result is to take a car back to it's roots and an age when modernistaion such as comfort equipment and extensive safety requirements today have only lead to performance cars like this to be considerably larger and heavier compared to original BMW Classics such as the 2002 turbo and the E30 M3 and are only here in spirit .

Both cars will debut in mid-2010.

so basically there will be a 135 unveiled in 2010 which will have the same garnishing as the M3 CSL but it will not be a CSL, rahter a 'supersport'?

Also, why is this sports garnish only being given to the 1er coupe and not the hatch?

Perfect! It makes great sense to put the 120CSi a notch below the 135i when it comes to raw power and thereby not threaten it in terms of those silly 0-100 comparisons but instead build it as we enthusiasts like it.

The SS models from BMW ... LOL!

^

Nope ... That's 44.

BMW's SS is more like a §

Aaaah

Indeed ...
SS. = 44. = vier, vierer = fuer Fuehrer

While by BMW the SS = SuperSports = § = twists and drifts

Or plain and simple legal problems

I guess you're kidding Tine, because there is no way BMW is bringing out a model that's called SS. Here in Germany you're not even allowed to use this combination for you licence plates, same goes for NS and NSDAP.