BMW Unveils 3 New Models

BMW is offering some sneak peeks at its future at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The company's presence here represents a continued strategy of looking toward a future of technology, efficiency and, of course, driving pleasure.

In addition to the standard unveiling of new vehicles, BMW is also demonstrating some of its latest technology with the new ConnectedDrive system, which includes a hands-free mobile office designed to integrate with select BlackBerry devices, as well as an entire suite of interactive iPhone functions.

While BMW continues to equip its environmentally conscious EfficientDynamics vehicles with fuel-saving technologies, it is clear the company hasn't forgotten the enthusiast character, performance and solid driving feel that has earned its vehicles their reputation. In proof of this, BMW has brought three new sport-minded vehicles to Detroit, including the latest addition to its highly regarded M-series.

More coverage from the Detroit Auto Show

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

What is it? A hopped-up 1-Series from BMW's M performance division.
What makes it special? After months of teasing, it is finally official: The 1-Series is getting the M treatment. Like most of the performance models from BMW, the enhancements to the 1-Series are thorough and meticulously engineered. Nearly every aspect of the coupe has been tweaked by the Bavarian performance wizards, including the 335-horspower engine with a temporary torque overboost function good for an extra 37 lb-ft. Lightweight materials help the coupe shed a few pounds, while the razor-sharp suspension keeps it planted firmly on wide rubber, which wraps 19-inch wheels.
When will it be available? Spring 2011.
How much will it cost? Starts at $47,010.
MSN Autos' take? Directly inspired by the iconic E30 M3 of the late 1980s, the 1-Series M Coupe could be the most driver-oriented car to come from BMW since then, if not the liveliest. With its wide stance and aggressive lines, this thing looks far leaner and meaner than the regular 1-Series coupe. Any modern car that offers no automatic transmission of any sort earns an instant brownie point with us, and we are all over this one.

View Pictures:  BMW in Detroit

2012 BMW 1-Series Coupe and Convertible

What is it? A refreshed version of the baby BMW.
What makes it special? BMW's entry-level BMW gets minor updates for 2012, in both hard- and soft-top versions. The new exterior features aerodynamic elements up front, while the interior gets a more thorough redesign and now includes a gloss white trim option. The 135i gets the newer, single-turbo N55 engine in place of the outgoing N54, although maximum power and torque haven't changed. The 300-horsepower straight-6 engine gets the coupe from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, or a blistering five seconds flat if you opt for the new dual-clutch transmission. The 128i makes do with the previous engine, good for a still-plenty-quick 6.1-second romp to 60 mph, or 6.7 seconds with the more traditional automatic. Opting for the heavier roofless 1-Series slows these figures down slightly, of course.
When will it be available? Spring 2011.
How much will it cost? To be announced.
MSN Autos' take? We've always been fans of the spunky 1-Series, despite its slightly quirky appearance. While lively, fun to drive and almost too fast in 135i guise, this BMW is twitchier on the road than its more stable, longer-wheelbase 3-Series siblings. Still, it is unmistakably BMW in all regards, offering all the requisite build quality, clever design and driver enjoyment. The updates for 2012 aren't groundbreaking, but are welcome nonetheless.

Bing Images: 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

What is it? The flagship 2-door from BMW.
What makes it special? The grand touring 2-door 6-Series brings an all-new convertible for 2012 that closely follows the recent redesign of the venerable 5-Series. No sign of the fixed-roof coupe yet, but the convertible does show styling strongly based on the Concept 6-Series Coupe displayed recently at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and it packs the same tremendous turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine currently seeing duty in the 550i and 750i/Li. In addition to a traditional stick-shift option, the 650i offers a new automatic transmission with no fewer than eight gears forward. Both options will get the 650i to 60 mph in just under five seconds. Also new is an optional 4-wheel active steering system.
When will it be available? Spring 2011.
How much will it cost? Starts at $91,375.
MSN Autos' take? We're still getting used to the controversial "shark nose" design direction that BMW has taken recently, and this one definitely takes the cake. From certain angles, it is a great-looking car, but other angles just leave the front end looking awkward. The new interior looks fantastic and well-thought-out from any angle though, and we'll gladly take that glorious engine wherever BMW wants to use it. The available 6-speed manual transmission is a much-welcomed feature as well, and unique for the 650i's market class.

Video Review: BMW 1-Series

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side as Senior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.

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