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New Models
AUTOS: BMW Adding M Performance
New M235i coupe will slot between the regular compact and the hyper M version to introduce new model lineup in U.S. that’s already in Europe.
The first BMW M Performance car coming to the United States will be the M235i coupe. (Photo: BMW)
BMW will introduce the first in what will become a line of M Performance models to North America in early 2014 with the M235i coupe. It will take the place of the 1-series M coupe that recently ceased production after a run of more than 6,000 units, about 600 of which were sold in the United States.
BMW is renaming the coupe and convertible versions of the 1-series as the 2-series for the vehicle's second generation. The hatchback retains the 1-series designation. The M235i coupe, not yet confirmed officially, is set for a debut at the 2014 Detroit auto show. It is the sister model to the M135i hatchback that will go on sale across Europe in September.
The M Performance cars are positioned above BMW's regular models but below its hardcore M models in performance, price and positioning.
Based on the upcoming second-generation 2-series coupe, which is set to debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, the M235i coupe is planned to run the same 316-horsepower version of BMW's N55 turbocharged 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine as the M135i hatchback. A BMW M division source divulged to Autoweek that this engine has been certified for U.S. sales.
Alongside a standard six-speed manual gearbox, BMW's first M Performance model for the States will come with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Equipped with standard rear-wheel drive, it will also likely be sold with optional four-wheel drive in some states.
The M235i coupe won't be the only BMW M Performance in the States for long, though. Following it into showrooms later in 2014 will be the M235i convertible with a fabric roof, four seats and the same driveline.
Since the announcement of its M Performance strategy earlier this year, BMW has added four models to its lineup in Europe: the 375-horsepower turbocharged 3-liter inline six-cylinder diesel-powered M550d xDrive, the X5 M50d, the X6 M50d and the M135i hatchback.
The M Performance models are aimed at challenging rival Audi's S models and a new range of performance-oriented models being readied by Mercedes-Benz under the banner "engineered by AMG" that will be positioned below its regular AMG lineup.
This story originally appeared at Autoweek.com
BMW is renaming the coupe and convertible versions of the 1-series as the 2-series for the vehicle's second generation. The hatchback retains the 1-series designation. The M235i coupe, not yet confirmed officially, is set for a debut at the 2014 Detroit auto show. It is the sister model to the M135i hatchback that will go on sale across Europe in September.
The M Performance cars are positioned above BMW's regular models but below its hardcore M models in performance, price and positioning.
Based on the upcoming second-generation 2-series coupe, which is set to debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, the M235i coupe is planned to run the same 316-horsepower version of BMW's N55 turbocharged 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine as the M135i hatchback. A BMW M division source divulged to Autoweek that this engine has been certified for U.S. sales.
Alongside a standard six-speed manual gearbox, BMW's first M Performance model for the States will come with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Equipped with standard rear-wheel drive, it will also likely be sold with optional four-wheel drive in some states.
The M235i coupe won't be the only BMW M Performance in the States for long, though. Following it into showrooms later in 2014 will be the M235i convertible with a fabric roof, four seats and the same driveline.
Since the announcement of its M Performance strategy earlier this year, BMW has added four models to its lineup in Europe: the 375-horsepower turbocharged 3-liter inline six-cylinder diesel-powered M550d xDrive, the X5 M50d, the X6 M50d and the M135i hatchback.
The M Performance models are aimed at challenging rival Audi's S models and a new range of performance-oriented models being readied by Mercedes-Benz under the banner "engineered by AMG" that will be positioned below its regular AMG lineup.
This story originally appeared at Autoweek.com
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