Hot on the heels of last week’s unveiling of the new BMW 1-Series M Coupé comes the first details on the 2011 BMW 1-Series Coupé and Convertible, both of which have been subtly updated. The new cars get some very modest styling updates and a new straight-six engine for the range-topping 135i variant.
The new design of the cars’ front fascia includes BMW’s ‘Air Curtain’ design that counters turbulence near the wheel arches and so reduces the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle. The head and tail light clusters have also been slightly redesigned, while the interiors of both the 1-Series Coupé and Convertible receive new switches and controls have a more refined look and feel.
Powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six engine that generates 170 kW, a new 128i variant of the 1-Series Coupé and Convertible has been introduced, featuring BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology and aluminum/magnesium construction-core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.
The 2011 BMW 135i models, meanwhile, feature BMW’s newest iteration of its popular 3.0-litre straight-six engine. Equipped with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, the engine produces 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Referred to internally as the “N55″, the engine reaches peak torque at 1 200 r/min and maintains peak torque all the way to 5 000 r/min.
A six-speed manual remains standard across the board but the 128i can be opted with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the more potent 135i is available with BMW’s seven-speed dual clutch ‘box. The fastest model remains the 135i equipped with the dual clutch transmission, covering the 0 – 100 km/h dash in a scorching 5.2 seconds.
