Hot new 300 hp 135i resurrects spirit of original M3

BMW continues to deny it harbors any concrete plan to build an M version of its entry level 1 Series. But, as disappointing as that might sound to dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts, it appears the German car maker might not need one after all. Not if the spectacular specification of the range topping version of the new US bound 1 Series coupe is anything to go by.

The 1 Series will debut at September’s Frankfurt motor show with North Amercian sales planned to kick off in October. BMW’s latest model looks to have all the relevant performance ground covered as it seeks resurrect the driving spirit of the original M3 in a distinctive new two door version of its strong selling 1 Series.

We’ll get two versions, a 128i and 135i. A 3.0-liter, inline 6 powers the 128i, producing 230 hp and 200 lb ft The 135i is the headliner, however, fitted with BMW’s potent twin turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six. With 300 hp at 5800rpm (a figure which endows it with over 100 hp per liter in long standing M tradition) channeled to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual gearbox and 3.08:1 final drive, the 135i establishes a level of performance just one rung below that of the new fourth-generation M3.BMW says its latest two door will hit 62 mph from standstill in just 5.3 seconds and extend all the way to an electronically limited 155mph, placing the 135i on a par with the substantially more expensive Porsche Cayman S for outright acceleration. The in-gear times are impressive too; the 50-75 mph split is just 5.0sec in 4th gear.

As promising as the 135i’s performance is, it is the driving experience that will ultimately decide if it is to assume the celebrated role as the spiritual successor to the first-generation M3. The chassis hardware is familiar; the 1 Series coupe shares the same rear-wheel drive platform and aluminum intensive suspension set-up as its more familiar hatchback sibling, although it has been tuned for a more sporting drive.It uses a MacPherson strut (front) and a five-link (rear) arrangement in combination with speed sensitive electro-hydraulic steering, the latter coming with BMW’s optional Active Steer system. Wheels are standard 18-inch items, 7.5-inch wide up front and 8.5-inch at the rear and shod with 215/40 and 245/35 profile tires.

Despite the crowded engine bay and all the auxiliary plumbing brought on by the twin turbochargers, BMW claims a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. To keep its reserves in check, there are all number of electronic driving aids but unlike true M cars, the 135i does without a trick variable differential like that seen in the M3.

Stylistically, the 1 Series coupe adheres closely to the 1 Series hatchback with heavy convex and concave surfacing along with unusual shut line architecture and sharp detailing. While they share the same 104-inch wheelbase, the coupe’s longer rear overhang sees its length extend five inches over that of the hatchback.