New Products and Technology

SPY PHOTOS—BMW'S 1 SERIES: THE SPORTS COUPE ENTHUSIASTS HAVE WAITED FOR

Photos and information courtesy of Brenda Priddy & Co.

Although BMW’s 1 Series coupe isn’t expected to arrive on our shores until sometime during the 2008 calendar year, we finally managed to get extremely clear and detailed shots of the area around the c-pillar and the rear quarter window, as well as much, much more of the cute Bimmer.

Engine options for the stylish 1 Series Coupe have yet to be confirmed, but BMW officials have said they do not plan to offer a four-cylinder engine in America, although we believe they will be available in European markets. But we are expecting a version of the magnesium/aluminum 3.0L six-cylinder that is currently found in the 130i, as well as the 3 and 5 Series, Z4 Coupe and Roadster, and X3 and X5.

There is also a strong possibility the 3.0L turbocharged six from the 335i coupe and sedan could find its way into an M version of the 1 series Coupe.

Among driving enthusiasts, there is strong sentiment that the 3 series Coupe has grown too large and luxurious to be a true sports coupe. Many of them long for a smaller, simpler car with the driving dynamics BMW has become known for. The 1 series coupe could possibly deliver on that desire, all the while holding its head high as a true BMW.