Last year, BMW launched its 1-Series in North America to great fanfare. The automaker’s marketing attempted to link the coupe and convertible to its highly-vaunted 2002 of the late-1960s through mid-1970s, but potential buyers expecting simple, cost-effective sportiness were less than impressed by the 1-Series’ MSRP and equipment levels. Apparently, the automaker is considering “going back to basics” for the next-generation 1.
According to Car, the next-generation 1, due around 2011 or 2012, could include an entry-level 115i powered by a 1.3-liter engine designed to meet tax breaks – much like the 1502, a 1.5-liter variant of the -02 body sold alongside the more powerful 2002 back in the 1970s. The 115i, confusingly powered by a 1.3-liter, will crank out about 105-horsepower. Don’t expect it to make the journey to North America unless fuel prices really spike or a displacement tax is enacted. We might, however, get the 120i, a 2.0-liter turbo-four putting out 218-horsepower, as our entry-level 1.
With any luck, these changes will drop prices by a couple thousand dollars, though of course BMW is mum on future product plans.
A Supersport variant of the 1-Series, offering M-level performance, will be available at the opposite end of the spectrum. It’ll get round headlamps – like the ’02s – and a twin-turbo four-cylinder gas engine, probably pumping out about 300-horsepower.
Do expect that model to cross the Atlantic, but don’t expect an M1 badge. BMW considers that one sacred.
