BMW unpacks 1 Series M concept
2012-02-27 08:32
THE M POWER EXPANDS: BMW's new M Performance debut at the 2012 Geneva auto show will also be used to showcase the Concept M135i hot hatch.
BMW’s getting ready to preview a hot-hatch M Performance version of its 1 Series entry-level range at the 2012 Geneva auto show.
The Concept M135i will be shown as part of the world premiere of BMW’s new M Performance range in which the three-door will be the first to feature a straight-six petrol engine.
BMW says this pocket rocket offers the ideal balance between “outstanding performance and everyday suitability”.
Said to benefit from BMW’s years of motorsport experience, the Concept M135i’s suspension
has been lowered and tweaked to deliver increased agility and more precise handling and its aerodynamic properties fine-tuned.
224kW TO THE REAR WHEELS
Its six-cylinder engine uses M Performance Twin Power Turbo technology and, BMW says, is good for 224kW. To ensure the rear-wheel drive concept remains firmly on the black stuff the car has M sports brakes partly concealed by its 18” M alloys.
A SIGN OF FUTURE POTENCY: The Concept M135i uses a power-happy straight-six and comes with M sports suspension.
Other visual clues indicating the concept’s more assertive nature are its larger air intakes with three-dimensional flaps, larger brakes and a rear apron finished in dark metallic that house twin tail-pipes.
All in all, the Concept M135i offers an exciting glimpse into the future of the BMW’s junior hatchback.
The concept will be shown alongside other members of the reformed M Performance range at the 2012
Geneva auto show which will open on March 6.
Read more reports from the 2012 Geneva auto show.