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(Due to connection issues this episode of the BimmerCast has poor audio quality – you’ve been warned) We’re back from NAIAS and ready to recap what we’ve seen and what we’ve heard. But first BMw has a new four cylinder and it’s destined for the US market. Yes this is the engine that is meant to kill the last naturally aspirated inline six with more power and better efficiency. We break down what it is, when we’ll see it and how it stacks up against the competition.
Then there’s NAIAS 2011. Yes there was a BMW stand outside of the 1M. The new 6er and the 1 Series coupe and convertible were in attendance and looks great. The 6er in particularly was gorgeous in person (if you could get the Chinese automotive engineers away from it).
We then move to Alpina and it’s future in the US. Yes there is a future but it’s hard to do anything more than speculate about B3s, B5s and even D3s on US roads.
This is the second part from the NAIAS 2011. This time you can get a closer look at the world-premieres of the new BMW 1 Series Coupe, the new BMW 1 Series Convertible and the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. (hint if you only care about the 1M skip ahead to around 2:30)
Today BMW announced the 1 Series M Coupe (aka the 1M) will have a base price of 47,010 (including $875 destination fee). While it’s about $1,000 higher than we had anticipated it’s still about $13,000 cheaper than any other M car offered and only $7,085 more expensive than a stock 135i.
BMW NA also announced pricing on several other cars today at detroit. The stunning, all-new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible will start at $91,375 and be available this spring. Finally, the updated and better-equipped 2012 BMW 1 Series models will be priced as-follows: 128i Coupe, $31,825, 135i Coupe, $39,925, 128i Convertible, $37,475, 135i Convertible, $44,675. All prices include $875 Destination & Handling fee. (official release after the break)
As we predicted BMW has taken MINI Connected and stamped a BMW logo on it for use in the refreshed 2011 1 Series line-up. And the first real fruits of that have shown up today in the Apple iOS app store.
No surprise given MINI Connected functionality but the BMW app delivers web radio, Facebook and Twitter integration. The app also gives you access to fuel level, range and trip computer functionality (updated each time you plugin). Perhaps just as important the app also allows for the iPod-out functionality co-developed by Apple and BMW. iPod-out puts an automotive grade interface (designed by Apple) on the cars screen for easier navigation. It also supports future features simply by updating the iOS on your device.
Detroit has had it’s share of troubles over the last few years and the North American International Auto Show has followed along for better or worse. But this year with manufacturers coming back to the show in force (Nissan and Porsche to name two) the 2011 show should a bit more interesting. BMW of course will be there in full-force with the world debuts of the 6 Series Convertible, 1 Series M Coupe and the refreshed 1 Series coupe and convertible models. And like last year BimmerFile will be there to cover it all with photos, interviews and our take on it all.
Official Release: BMW will unveil two stunning signature cars at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The dazzling new BMW 650i Convertible will make its World Premiere along with the all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe, which will shift the paradigm in the small performance car category. The updated BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible will also make their World Premieres. (Fully galleries after the break)
(portions of the following article are taken from BMW’s press release)
Like the recently revealed 1M, the 2012 1 Series bears the fruits of a late life-cycle refresh that literally changes the face of the current generation 1 Series. But there’s much more to the 2012 1 Series than different lights. There are exterior and interior color and trim updates and a few surprising technology additions.
The unmistakable profile of the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible, which represents the purest expression of BMW DNA is now sharper than ever. The new design of the front fascia includes BMW’s innovative Air Curtain that counters turbulence near the wheel arches and so reduces the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle. New exterior design accents have been incorporated into the headlight and tail light clusters. In the interior, new switches and controls have a more refined look and feel. Both cars will go on sale this Spring.
As expected engines will be carried over with the US sticking with the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline-6 engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, in the 128i. As before that engine features BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology and aluminum/magnesium construction—core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.
As no surprise to us, BMW has leaked more details on the upcoming FRONT WHEEL DRIVE platform. As we and others have reported, BMW is ditching their long held view that rear wheel drive will be the base of all models in hopes of making more profits.
According to Autocar, there will be two new FWD 1-Series variants. The first will be a 5-door hatchback followed by a GT like version. The new FWD 1-Series will have a larger cabin thanks to more upright A-pillars and windshield.
The FWD variants will be built on a modified version of the MINI Countryman platform and are to hit showrooms (in Europe) in September 2013.
Internally known as the UKL (acronym for Unter Klasse), the two FWD models will be accompanied by 4 rear wheel drive 1-Series versions which may be renamed 2 Series (at least in coupe form). RWD versions will include 3 & 5-door hatches along with a coupe and cabriolet.
FWD models will be powered by the much rumored with 1.5 liter, 3-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Codenamed the N37 and N38, respectively, the engines are halfed versions of BMW’s current 3.0 liter offerings and will feature all of the current Efficient Dynamics tricks as well as some we have yet to see.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: //1M\\, BimmerCast, E81/82/E87 1 Series, F12 6 Series Convertible Jan 19th, 2011 8 Comments 
