alfy28

back looks like a mazda 3 hatch :P oh well. http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphoto...i-3-door-hatch

It can’t be named M1
Text first published on 08-16-2006 (link)

This is going to be the ultimate sports-hatch and packs an extra 50+ bhp over the current BMW 130 or VW Golf R32.

Munich would love to call the car M1 – but that would take away the glory from the legendary 1970’s M1 supercar, so the range-topping 1-series will have to do with a 135ti-badge on the rear, hinting to the sophisticated 3.0-litre turbo-engine delivering no less than 306 bhp!

It’s just been presented in the 3-series coupé and should be able to turn the 1-series into a real cannon ball on wheels...

Just recently we’d shown you pictures of the 5-door version of the new pocket rocket – but here’s the car that will make the biggest part in the 135ti-sales: the 3-door hatch

BlueEyes

sick!

alfy28

i think its funny how they draw a white line and painted a door handle, at least that is what i think they done for the back doors :P

Renesis_8

It does look A LOT like the Mazda 3. 300+hp twin turbo inline 6 from the 335i?
________
Washington dispensaries

moRotorMotor

It's a good thing the rear doors are fake. It's barely big enough for my goldsish to fit through.

Japan8

Smoking...

BMW really needs to bring the 1 Series to the US... especially considering the present cost of the 3 Series.

Design1stCode2nd

At least someone makes a hatch that is RWD. If the MS3 had been AWD or RWD with 300 ponies I'd have thought about it.

Japan8

Considering the weight of the Mazda3 and MS3... it doesn't need 300hp. Granted AWD would make it weight more and RWD... well the platform is FWD... but the current hp level with the better launch traction should give it even better times than the magazines are already getting in it... which are pretty damn good.

Renesis_8

I wonder wat the weight is for the BMW, most likely more than the MS3.
________
Live sex webshows

JRichter

I agree and I want this car! Something about a RWD small hatch w/ a big-*** engine...

9291150

I doubt they'll put the 300hp turbo in there...a 1 series that can outperform $50 thou. 3's?

I betcha a base 4, then a nice inline 6 maybe from the 323/325. Either way, a small RWD hatch? VERY desireable.

The new smaller Z4 rumours? Even more desireable.

zoom44

whats with bmw? its like they are targetting Mazda. this car being one but recently i read where they are going to do a roadster purposely to compete with the MX-5 http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/...10-bmw-z2.html its like someone over there said "hey mazda is doing pretty well - lets pick on them"

Japan8

There's nothing to discuss about power. This car is already in production. Base in japan is a small I4, 2.0 I4 and then a 3.0 I6.

9291150

I'm guessing what we'll see in North America, if it ever happens. Last 3 series hatch was a flop, but it never had a six.

Japan8

Ah... i c.

I remember the old 318ti. Actually they sell the e46 version of that in Japan too.

I think the difference this time is both timing (hatchs are in) and this looks like it may have more space. If also introduced with the whole 1 Series line... the other cars are 4 door and offer more space. I also be offering more power of the I6 will help too.

9291150

If it happens its more likely in Canada, we have Smarts and B series Merc's while I think the States have yet to get them, or won't.

Canadians like and buy smaller cars more than Americans, especially in Quebec.

BlueSky

very very cool. bring it to the states with a base price of 30-grand and you'll sell 'em right quick.

The reason BMW seems to be "targeting" Mazda is because Mazda has long been thought of as the poor man's BMW.