Paris Show: BMW Confirms Smaller than 1-Series FWD Model for the USA

*Opening Photo: 1993 BMW Z13 Concept

Motor shows aren't only about new car and concept model presentations as many carmakers take the opportunity to either announce or detail future projects. And while we already know about BMW's plans to develop a smaller than 1-Series front-wheel drive model, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, told reporters on the sidelines of the Paris Show today that the car will be sold in the United States.

BMW's people are currently calling the new model series, "UKL", which is said to be a German abbreviation for lower compact class cars. .

"It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles," said Robertson.

While Robertson didn't go into specific details about the available body styles, he did say the small front-wheel drive bimmer will be offered in the States with a four-cylinder engine, with sales set to start before the 2013 launch of the Bavarian firm's megacity electric car.

That means we could see the new (or shall we say 0-) Series making its market debut as early as 2012.

The BMW AG board member added the company expects to sell as much as 100,000 examples of the car worldwide a year and that he is convinced BMW can continue to command premium pricing even though it's a front-wheel drive model.

"No one has said to me the Mini isn't great to drive," Robertson said referring to the front-wheel drive cars of the BMW-group brand.

Expect to see a concept version of the new FWD small BMW making its debut at an international motor show within the next year or so.

Source: Autonews

BMW ActiveE: Production Version of All-Electric 1-Series to Debut at Geneva Show

The ActiveE is the production version of BMW's 2010 Detroit Motor Show EV concept of the same name and it will share the limelight with the Vision CD Roadster study at the Bavarian firm's Geneva Salon stand. BMW plans to build a test fleet of more than 1,000 units of the fully electric version of the 1-Series Coupe, and lease them to select customers in the USA, Europe and China. The ActiveE will serve as a test bed for technologies that will be incorporated into the into BMW's future electric models such as the Megacity EV, due in 2013.

Power comes from an electric synchronous motor that produces 168HP (125 kW) and 250 Nm of torque, good enough to propel the 1 Series Coupe from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h). The electric motor draws power from three lithium-ion batteries, which replace the engine, transmission and fuel tank.

To increase the driving range, the electric motor also acts as a generator every time the driver takes his foot off the accelerator pedal. The recuperated kinetic energy is fed back into the batteries and the system also creates torque to slow down the car. BMW estimates that this way the autonomy can be extended by up to 20%.

Additionally, the ActiveE also has a “gliding mode”, in which the car is moved just by its own kinetic energy, and an Eco Pro mode that lowers the energy consumption of the heating and air conditioning system, while the accelerator uses less power with the same travel.

The EV can be charged in five hours using a 32-ampere wall box or overnight from a conventional household socket.

From a design standpoint, the ActiveE is set apart from its conventional counterparts by the electric circuit-inspired livery, a bonnet scoop and lack of tail pipes. Inside, the seats are covered in grey leather with contrasting blue stitching, accompanied by a revised instrument cluster.

According to the manufacturer, the four-seater ActiveE offers the same cabin space as a standard 1-Series Coupe, but has a reduced luggage space of 200-liters.

2010 BMW 1-Series: Coupe Gets 2.0-liter Engines, New Sport and LifeStyle Editions for the Hatch

BMW's 1-Series range is entering the 2010 model year with two new engines returning up to 52.mpg US for the coupe and two additional special edition versions for the three- and five-door hatchback models. Starting off with the 1 Series Coupe, the Bavarian automaker is enhancing the two-door model's lineup with the addition of the 120i Coupe that is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine developing 170HP at 6,700 rpm and peak torque of 210Nm /155 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.

The gasoline engine accelerates the 120i Coupe from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.8 seconds and offers a top speed of 224km/h or 149 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is rated at 6.6lt/100km or 35.7mpg US with CO2 emissions of 153gr/km.

The second new model to join the range is the 118d Coupe that features a 2.0-liter turbo diesel churning out 143HP at 4,000 rpm and 300Nm /221 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. With this power plant that is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 118d Coupe goes from a standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210km/h or 130mph while returning an average fuel consumption of just 4.5lt/100km or 53.2mpg US with a CO2 emission rating of 119gr/km.

Both the 118d and 120i Coupe will be go on sale in Europe in September.

Other new models as of September 2009 are the Lifestyle and Sport Editions which will be available with all engine variants of the three- and five-door hatchback versions of the 1-Series. Highlights of the Lifestyle Edition include the exclusive Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint with matching interior trim and upholstery, additional exterior components in body color and chrome-plated tailpipes as well as specific 17-inch light-alloy rims in five-spoke design.

The Sport Edition models come as standard with the M Sports Package which includes the M Aerodynamics Package, a sports suspension set-up as well as 17-inch light-alloy wheels in dual-spoke design. Furthermore, the BMW 130i and BMW 123d feature 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey paintwork available as an option also on the other model variants.

Other features included in the package are the Blackline rear lights, exterior components in body colour, Shadow Line on the window shaft covers and side window surrounds, foglamps and chrome-plated tailpipes on the exhaust

Inside, the Sport Edition comes with a set of front passenger sport seats, chrome-plated entry trim bearing the name "BMW Edition", stainless-steel pedals, an M footrest, an M sports steering wheel, an M gearshift lever in soft nappa leather, interior trim in Aluminium Glacier Silver and roof lining in anthracite color.

VIDEO: Two Chinese Guys Build a Remote Control BMW 1-Series

If this video is to be believed, An Jiaxuan is an inventor par excellence and an electronics genius to boot. We see him playing around with various (and presumably) self-developed Smartphone apps, including ones that switch the lights and air conditioning on and off and can take a picture from a tripod-mounted camera.

That’s not all, though. Jiaxuan’s next big project is equipping and controlling a full-sized car via remote control. What’s the timeframe for this endeavour? Just twenty days.

With little more than some software development knowhow, a borrowed BMW 1-series hatchback, a Nokia C7 Smartphone and a whole lot of electronic and mechanical components, Jiaxuan makes the impossible a reality. Sure, it could all be a hoax or a viral ad for the C7, but that’s not really the point; this video has some funny moments.

Like when Jiaxuan’s friend asks, “How’s the control? Is it just as good?”

And Jiaxuan replies, “Of course man, it’s gotta be otherwise we’re not gonna be able to get the car to drift.”

It’s that sort of balls-to-the-wall car lover insanity that we at Carscoop adore. Or the final scene in the video, where Jiaxuan’s friend points at an overflying aircraft and says:

“Think you can control that plane up there?”

Looking up at the sky, Jiaxuan answers, “We could try, yah...I think it’ll work.”

Click through for the full video and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

BMW Prices U.S.-Spec 2011 1-Series M Coupe and 2012 650i Convertible at NAIAS 2011

At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, BMW announced pricing information for the U.S.-spec 2011 1-Series M Coupe, face-lifted 2012 1-Series, and the all-new 2012 650i Convertible.

The revised entry-level 128i Coupe starts from $31,825, while the much anticipated 1-Series M Coupe with the 335HP turbocharged inline-six is priced at $47,010 and will be available in limited quantity. The new generation of 650i Convertible starts at $91,375. All prices include an $875 destination and handling fee.

For the 2012 model year, all 1-Series variants received a mild exterior makeover and come with iPod/USB integration. Furthermore, certain models feature an innovative Air Curtain system (128i), which reduces wind resistance, Xenon adaptive headlights and power seats with adjustable lumbar support as standard (135i).

The 128i Convertible models get larger, 17-inch alloys, while the 135i Convertible comes with 18-inch rims. By adding a through-loading system, engineers also managed to improve the storage capacity of all open-top versions.

The complete price list of the 2012 BMW 1-Series is as follows:

128i Coupe $31,825

135i Coupe $39,925

128i Convertible $37,475

135i Convertible $44,675

The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible is powered by a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine, rated at 400 hp and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque, which can be mated either to a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW says that the new model offers more passenger space, improved ergonomics and better materials. Just like the previous generation, the new 6-Series Convertible has a soft top that can retract in just 19 seconds at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h).

Sales of the 2012 1-Series, 2011 1-Series M Coupe and 2012 650i Convertible will start this spring.

BMW Prices U.S.-Spec 2011 1-Series M Coupe and 2012 650i Convertible at NAIAS 2011

At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, BMW announced pricing information for the U.S.-spec 2011 1-Series M Coupe, face-lifted 2012 1-Series, and the all-new 2012 650i Convertible.

The revised entry-level 128i Coupe starts from $31,825, while the much anticipated 1-Series M Coupe with the 335HP turbocharged inline-six is priced at $47,010 and will be available in limited quantity. The new generation of 650i Convertible starts at $91,375. All prices include an $875 destination and handling fee.

For the 2012 model year, all 1-Series variants received a mild exterior makeover and come with iPod/USB integration. Furthermore, certain models feature an innovative Air Curtain system (128i), which reduces wind resistance, Xenon adaptive headlights and power seats with adjustable lumbar support as standard (135i).

The 128i Convertible models get larger, 17-inch alloys, while the 135i Convertible comes with 18-inch rims. By adding a through-loading system, engineers also managed to improve the storage capacity of all open-top versions.

The complete price list of the 2012 BMW 1-Series is as follows:

128i Coupe $31,825

135i Coupe $39,925

128i Convertible $37,475

135i Convertible $44,675

The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible is powered by a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine, rated at 400 hp and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque, which can be mated either to a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW says that the new model offers more passenger space, improved ergonomics and better materials. Just like the previous generation, the new 6-Series Convertible has a soft top that can retract in just 19 seconds at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h).

Sales of the 2012 1-Series, 2011 1-Series M Coupe and 2012 650i Convertible will start this spring.

Hartge Releases New Aero Parts for BMW 1-Series

BMW tuning specialist Hartge has launched a new assortment of aero add-ons and sport exhaust systems for the 1-Series. Available parts include a front lip spoiler, rear diffuser, side skirts, roof and boot lid spoilers, carbon casings for the exterior mirrors, inserts for the lower air vents, decals and the not so necessary, Hartge emblems. The tuner has also released two new sport exhaust systems with four tailpipes for the 125i and 135i models with the M Aerodynamic package.

Official: BMW 2.0-liter Turbo Coming to the USA in 2011, Replaces 3.0-liter Straight-Six

We knew BMW's brand-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was coming to the States but now, the Bavarian automaker has made it official. The German company released a statement saying the first cars to be equipped with the force-fed four-banger will "arrive later this year" in the USA.

The 2.0-liter unit made its debut on the X1 compact crossover and will eventually replace BMW’s trademark normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six. While BMW's US division has yet to announce which models will get the new engine, in Europe, the automaker has already confirmed the powerplant for the Z4 coupe-roadster and the 5-Series range.

In the U.S., the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six is currently available on these models:

-128i Coupe / Convertible 230HP

-328i Sedan / Coupe / Convertible / Sports Wagon / xDrive 230HP

-528i Sedan 240HP

-X3 xDrive28i 240HP

-Z4 sDrive30i 255HP

There's a strong possibility that BMW will offer the new 2.0-liter turbo on all of these models in the U.S. but this has yet to be confirmed.

BMW's more for less 2.0-liter unit combines twin-scroll turbocharging with high-pressure direct-injection and the firm's VALVETRONIC intake control. In the X1, the maximum output of 240 horsepower is achieved at 5,000 rpm, or 1,500 rpm lower than in the normally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline six. The peak torque of 260 lb-ft, comes on tap at just 1,250 rpm, which according to BMW, is not only 30% more torque than the aforementioned inline six, it also peaks 1,500 rpm earlier. On top of that, BMW says the four-pot also returns 16 per cent better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.