Model choices include the 130i model, with a 265 horsepower inline-six and a zero to 62 mph time of 6.0 seconds; the 120i with a 170 horsepower four-cylinder engine and a zero to 62 mph time of 7.7 seconds; the 118i with a 143 horsepower four-cylinder engine and a zero to 62 mph time of 8.7 seconds; the 120d with a 177 horsepower common-rail diesel engine and a zero to 62 mph time of 7.5 seconds; and the 118d with a 143 horsepower common-rail diesel engine and a zero to 62 mph time of 8.9 seconds.

Spy photographers have snapped two new images of BMW's forthcoming 1-Series coupe. This time, a production-ready version of the car was spotted by an amateur photographer during photo shoot. Our previous set of eight spy shots showed a prototype with significant disguise.

The "garbage bag and tape dressing" was just temporary — it was there to hide the details and name badges up until the lighting was perfected – and then it would be quickly removed and beauty shots would be taken.

Although though these shots aren't as clear and close as we’d like, they show — for the very first time — details surrounding the c-pillar and the rear quarter window.

But unfortunately the camera crew involved with this BMW brochure shoot is giving professional photographers everywhere a bad rap: The amateur who shot these, armed with only a small point-and-shoot, was forced to lock himself in his automobile as one of the production crew members started to — as he described it — violently pound on the man's car — both on the sheetmetal and glass!

Engine options for the stylish 1-Series Coupe have yet to be confirmed, but BMW officials have said they do not plan to offer a four-cylinder engine in America, although they will be available in European markets. Insiders are expecting a version of the magnesium/aluminium 3.0-liter six-cylinder that is currently found in the 130i hatch.

There is also a strong possibility the 3.0-liter turbo-charged six from the 335i coupe and sedan could find its way into an M version of the 1-series Coupe.

Among driving enthusiasts, there is strong sentiment that the 3-series Coupe has grown too large and luxurious to be a true sports coupe. Many of them long for a smaller, simpler car with the driving dynamics BMW has become known for. The 1-series coupe could possibly deliver that.

blueguydotcom - Mar 18, 2007 11:03 pm
If it's sub 3000 lbs I'd sell off whatever car I had to get it. Sub 3200 lbs, I'll find a way eventually to ditch a current car for it. Sub 3400 lbs, I'll wonder why they bothered.

BMW plans to offer a high-performance version of its U.S.-bound 1-Series coupe called the M1, according to a new report by Germany's AutoBild magazine. The car would come equipped with the same motor used in the E46 M3 and the new Z4M, the report says.

The engine would deliver 343 horsepower and provide a zero to 62 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

With the 1-Series coupe's design all but fully revealed by recent spy photos, it's easy to guess how an M1 might look. AutoBild's illustration shows typical "M" treatments throughout, minus an expensive carbon roof.