M135i?

Status
Not open for further replies.

ballmode

Lifer
Aug 17, 2005
10,246
2
0
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6151714&posted=1

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/therock3600/135iM.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/therock3600/135IM3.jpg

BMW is looking at a new M model below the M3, according to highly placed sources from inside the firm’s M division, who suggest the new car has been favoured over a BMW supercar.

Based on the next-gen 1-series, the new car will be designed to introduce younger customers to new M cars. It would compete with cars such as the next-generation Audi S3, with pricing starting at around £32,000.

“We’re conscious that our existing customers are gravitating towards larger and more expensive models such as the X5/X6 M,” said an M division source. “We’re looking at ways to attract new customers to the brand, and an entry-level model is part of those plans.”

Among the new car’s biggest backers is newly installed BMW M division boss Kay Segler. The former head of brand management at Mini, he has experience with fast, compact two-doors: he oversaw the introduction of the Mini Cooper S and Cooper S Works.

Asked whether BMW’s M division was considering producing a sports car to go up against the Audi R8, Mercedes SLS and Porsche’s 911 Turbo, Autocar’s source said, “Such a project would fit nicely with our operations and would be greatly accepted by the engineers. But the priority right now is a more affordable model underneath the M3.”

The car is likely to be based on the next 135i, meaning it will use a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six producing around 330bhp. And BMW may well revive the M1 badge for the car.
 

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,379
126
Good idea, though aren't the replacements for the x35i cars supposed to be using turbo 4 cylinders?
 

AMCRambler

Diamond Member
Jan 23, 2001
7,714
31
91
This does sound bad ass. Only thing is, they make an affordable M car and everyone will be driving them. They won't be as unique or special anymore.
 

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
Holy shit. If this is true, I will not be buying a car until I can put money down on this.
 

Malak

Lifer
Dec 4, 2004
14,696
2
0
The question is whether they'll be in America or not. We don't have S3's here.
 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
67
91
I bet they'll sell it in the US, but really, I'm not sure I see the point. A stock 135i is plenty fast and handles great, and can easily be software-tuned to put out a lot more than 330 bhp. Most independent testing shows that the BMW turbo 3.0 puts out more like 350 bhp anyway, stock. This car will end up being priced at $45 - 50K loaded here, based on existing pricing of the 135i, which doesn't really make it appealing to me considering the capability and usefulness of the better-looking 335i.
 
Last edited:

KDKPSJ

Diamond Member
Dec 13, 2002
3,288
58
91
This does sound bad ass. Only thing is, they make an affordable M car and everyone will be driving them. They won't be as unique or special anymore.

If BMW makes a $ 30k ///M, then yes. But I doubt they will. It will be just like AMG, which is still a rare selection, despite all MB models have AMG line.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.