If you were waiting for an M-Division 1-Series, it looks like you may be out of luck. A ‘M’ project for the 1-Series won’t see daylight, according to a new report out of Geneva. There is good news however, a 135is – sharing its heart with the new 2011 335is – could be in the works.
In reality, a 1-Series M car would have been plagued by issues of pricing and performance – too much power, and it steps on the toes of the bigger M3, too little and it won’t excite like a real M. So it seems BMW are looking to strike a balance by introducing a 135is model. Reports from Geneva claim a BMW source said the 1-Series M car is not happening, but instead a twin-turbo N54-powered 135is would fill the need for a more potent, yet still not M3-embarrassing, 1-Series.
The N54 engine, as tuned for the Z4 sDrive35is, generates around 250 kW and 450 N.m of torque, with an overboost function that increases torque to just over 500 N.m for brief periods. That’s sure to add some serious fun to the 135i’s already tantilising 225 kW, especially if the 135is is adorned with other upgrades found in the upcoming sDrive35is – including M Sport aerodynamics, better cooling systems, and an M Sport suspension package.
No word yet on when the 135is might be coming, but we’ll have more details as soon as they’re available.
