Bmw 135i Convertible

BMW to offer new 1-Series in six bodystyles by 2019

BMW is planning to expand its line-up of the 1-Series hatchback to no more than six body styles by 2019. The automaker recently revealed the second generation 1-Series, five-door hatchback. The new car shares underpinnings from the 3-Series sedan. BMW intends to flood the market with various options for customers who are looking for an affordable and efficient car. The list includes a coupe as well as convertible versions based on the new 1-Series.

The BMW 1-Series competes with the Mercedes Benz A-Class and the Audi A3 at present. Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen are also coming out with the next generation A-Class and Golf hatchbacks by next year. BMW offering of a varied choice for customers to choose from could jeopardize the German’s plans though. BMW has revealed the five door version of the hatchback this year with a rear-wheel-drive setup. An all-wheel drive 1-Series is also on cards. The 3 -door version will soon follow.

By 2013, BMW plans to introduce a coupe and convertible model of the 1-Series which will be rear-wheel drive and will be named as the 2-Series mainly to differentiate it from the 1-Series hatchback. Expect more powerful engines to feature in the sportier coupe and convertible versions. A 3.0 litre, 6 -cylinder engine is what could go under the hood of the 2-Series coupled to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

A saloon variant of the 2-Series is also being considered for growing markets of Asia which means, India could well might be on the list of countries to get the 2-Series saloon. As Audi is also coming with the A3 sedan, BMW could respond to this with their very own 2 Series saloon which could be priced competitively. The other juicy version that BMW is pondering is a Crossover and GT version of the 1-Series. The GT version would be based on a front-wheel drive platform which will also be shared with the Mini. An estate version is also on cards that will take on the Audi A3 Sportback.

2011 BMW 135i Convertible Review

Before going into the bona fides for this ride, let’s clear up an important point: It’s difficult to get behind the wheel without feeling like you’re borrowing your sister or gay friend’s car. Why? The car is, well, cute. It’s something you could easily picture Natalie Portman scooting around in, not Brian Urlacher – although the Chicago Bears linebacker would fit inside with no issues. Despite the testosterone under the hood, straight males are going to lose some mojo in the eyes of others when they climb inside. This impression was reinforced by the unscientific responses from females — “That’s a cute car” — and males in the neighborhood — “Uh-huh. That’s an, umm, interesting car.” That said, guys who are confident in their masculinity are in for one sweet ride.

A convertible for drivers Usually the convertible versions of  sports cars add hundreds of pounds to the rear in the form of the roof, its motor and the lid covering. Not so with this  BMW . Using some engineering jujitsu, the Germans kept the weight distribution to a sweet 49/51 split between front and rear. In terms of handling, that’s one helluva balanced ride, which inspires a mountain of confidence when blitzing into, say, a 15-mph curve on a canyon road at 40 mph. This balance, along with the 18-inch low-profile tires, holds the 135i to the road like a rollercoaster on a 90-degree banked turn. There’s no sound of squealing tires, just the whine of the turbo as you punch the gas to rocket out of one turn and into the next one.

As further proof that this BMW is made for the frequent gear changes of hard driving through the endless corkscrews and switchbacks that make up most mountain roads, the 135i comes with BMW’s new 7-speed double clutch transmission. Mated to ergonomically perfect paddle shifters on the steering wheel, BMW’s transmission is instant and smooth. If you’re a hardcore manual transmission fan, this double-clutch system, which has two gear boxes running simultaneously – one for even gears, one for odd – will rewrite your prejudices. Seriously, it is to shifting as the iPod was to CDs. Once you try it, you’ll realize that double-clutches are the future and you don’t want to be left behind.

For such a small car, the steering wheel feels unusually heavy; maneuvering around a parking lot actually requires some muscle to turn the wheel. But at speed, that heft turns into a direct connection to the road. To add to the performance touches, BMW placed the brake and gas pedals close together to enable one of the easiest heel-toe operations found in a street car. The heel-toe technique has you put the heel of your right foot on the brake and toe on the gas pedal. Going into a corner, you brake with your heel while keeping some pressure on the gas to keep the revs high. As you pull through the apex of the turn, you release your heel and step on the gas. It’s a high-performance feature you don’t find often in street legal sports cars straight from the manufacturer, much less a convertible.

Pakistan & Gulf economist

Tampa Bay Magazine

Torque

Bmw Vehicle Series, Bmw 5 Series, Bmw 7 Series, Bmw 1 Series, Bmw 3 Series, Isetta, Bmw 8 Series, Bmw New Class, Bmw Compact

Cincinnati Magazine