At the recent press introduction of the new 3-Series Convertible, a reporter coaxed some details of the 1-series from Klaus Borgmann, the project manager for both, the 1- and 3-series.
Borgmann apparently stated that the US will see both a two-door coupé and a convertible. Both models should arrive there sometime in 2008, so we trust they will both be officially shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. While photographers caught the Cabrio for the first time during the winter test season last year, they have now spotted the new coupé, also testing in the Arctic cold.
Engine options have yet to be confirmed, but we believe there will be four-cylinder options for European buyers. Further up the range they will employ a version of the magnesium/aluminium 3-litre six-cylinder that is currently found in the 130i, as well as the 3- and 5-series, Z4 Coupé and Roadster, and X3 and X5. There is also a strong possibility the 3-litre turbo-charged six-cylinder from the 335i coupe and saloon could find its way into an M version of the 1-series Coupé.
Among driving enthusiasts, there is strong sentiment that the 3-Series Coupé has grown too large and luxurious to be a true sports coupé. Many of them seek a smaller, simpler car with the driving dynamics for which BMW has become known, and the 1-Series coupé could possibly deliver on that score.